Residents on a West Croydon council estate have this week voiced their anger at racist vandals who have been daubing abusive slogans on their walls.

Police have launched an appeal for information to help snare the bigots who repeatedly scrawl offensive graffiti on and around Renown Close, off Derby Road.

The wording is usually written in black marker pen and resurfaces on pillars and in walkways every time council employees paint over it.

Ethnic minorities on the estate say that the graffiti has been appearing on the estate for the last three weeks.

One resident, Toks Timson, told the Guardian: "It's disgusting. I can't believe in this day and age people are still doing this.

"It's so upsetting to see these racist slurs written outside your doorstep.

"There are children out playing on the estate and its upsetting for them to see that kind of language written on the walls.

"Every time the council paint over it the words reappear the next day in exactly the same spot, and it is always the same handwriting."

Investigating police have been distributing leaflets on the estate urging people with information to come forward, but say they have been disappointed with the response so far.

PC Barry Browne said: "I would hope that it is someone local because of the fact that it keeps appearing in the same places.

"The language used is also quite dated which indicates that it might be an older person doing it and not kids.

"I am quite disappointed at the lack of people coming forward with information.

"Somebody on that estate knows something and if we don't get any information soon we will be taking the investigation to the next stage."

Anyone with information about the culprits behind the racist graffiti should contact PC Barry Browne at the South Norwood Community Safety Unit on 020 8649 1265.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.