A UNIVERSITY has launched an investigation after a student from Colchester was subjected to racist abuse.

Faramade Ifaturoti, 19, is studying at Warwick University and found racist slurs scrawled across her bananas which she had left in the kitchen.

The gifted student tweeted a picture of the fruit with the words: “Look at what one of my flatmates has done. I am extremely disgusted.”

Two racist terms can clearly be seen written on the fruit in black marker.

It was not known who was responsible for the abuse which could also have been written by a visitor to the flat.

The tweet quickly gathered attention and has been retweeted thousands of times.

The university responded to the original tweet just over an hour later, saying: “We’re really sorry you’ve had to experience this. It is completely unacceptable. Please send us your email and we will escalate.”

But Faramade said: “I’m highly disappointed it took a Twitter escalation in order for you to respond.”

The university’s African and Caribbean Society tweeted: “This is absolutely vile. Standing in solidarity. No stone will be left unturned until the culprit is dealt with.”

Peter Dunn, Warwick University’s director of press and policy, said: “We are aware a racist incident has been widely reported on social media – the university is investigating this as a matter of urgency.

“A senior member of the university’s residential life team is in direct contact with the student concerned and the student has been offered alternative accommodation in a number of other locations on campus while the matter is being investigated.”

A spokesman for the university’s Students’ Union said: “The Sabbatical Officer team has just been made aware of the appalling images currently being circulated online which depict an instance of racism in a campus accommodation block.

“Warwick SU has a zero-tolerance policy on racist behaviour.”