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Parents have expressed outrage after racist graffiti reading “Whites not welcome” appeared outside a primary school in north London.

The offensive message was daubed on the entrance path leading up to Prince of Wales Primary School, Enfield, where hundreds of children walking to school saw it this morning. Police have since launched an investigation to trace the culprit.

Some parents have said it is not the first time graffiti of this nature has been scrawled on the pathway and have complained little action has been taken by the school to remove it.

Mother Jasmin Nathan said: “I have two sons aged nine and six who both attend the school and my eldest immediately noticed it before I did and was very inquisitive about it, which broke my heart.

“I've been worried all day about how this may affect his school day or god-forbid, any conflict in the playground as children can be unintentionally very spiteful, especially when discussing things they don't have the mental capacity to understand.”

Councillor Chris Bond, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, said the graffiti is being removed as a matter of urgency.

He said: “We have a large multicultural and harmonious community in Enfield which embraces its diversity.

“Racism of any form is unwelcome in this borough. We’d like to thank the people who brought this matter to our attention and enabled us to deal with it promptly.”

MP Nick De Bois, Conservative MP for Enfield North, has called on police and council to take swift action to remove the unpleasant message.

He said: “Graffiti of any type is deeply offensive, to the vast majority of the public, but particularly so when it's outside a primary school where young children will see it.”

Last week a sign appeared outside an east London park which said: “Do not walk your dog here. Muslims don’t like dogs.” Police are investigating the sign which was put up on a sign post close to Bartlett Park, Poplar.

The school was unavailable for comment.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact officers at Enfield borough police on 101 quoting reference 5212197/14. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.