A SCOTS mosque has been targeted by racist graffiti vandals who painted swastikas in what is the holy month of Ramadan.

The messages appeared around 11pm on the place of worship on Monday night.

Elgin Mosque said it has been subject to "a vile act of vandalism" after discovering the graffiti.

Detective Inspector Martin MacDougall said: "Crimes of this nature are completely unacceptable. There is absolutely no place for it in our communities and a number of enquiries are ongoing to establish who is responsible.

"We are in contact with the mosque and patrols will be increased in the area while our investigation continues. "

A spokesman from Elgin Mosque said: "Worshippers were shocked to see such hateful act as they were going into the mosque in this holy month of Ramadan to offer their evening prayers."

Forres Community Council appealed to the community to help police find those responsible.

The council said: "Thoughts go out to our Muslim Community after the damage to the Mosque is Elgin last night. If anyone has any information we urge you to come forward."

Long-time Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead added: "I know that like me the people of Moray will be appalled by the abhorrent racist vandalism that occurred last night at Elgin Mosque. We must all condemn such mindless acts and stand together as one community against intolerance and racism."

The Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church also expressed his outrage saying: "I am appalled at the attack on the Mosque in Elgin, my prayers go out to all at the Mosque and for the Community of Elgin as this news will effect many."

Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “I utterly condemn this completely unacceptable and cowardly attack on Elgin Mosque.

“It is nothing short of an attempt to intimidate members of Moray’s Muslim community and, while this incident should not be allowed to damage the relationship between the mosque and the local community in Elgin, it is entirely understandable that this will be a worrying incident for those who use the mosque.

“I understand that local police will be increasing patrols in the area and that is only right. It is also vitally important that anyone with any information on who may have been behind this attack comes forward to the Police to ensure those responsible are caught and face justice”.

Police say they want to identify and trace a man who was seen in the area at the time – he is described as white, aged 30-40, around 5ft10 in height, of a slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing blue jeans and potentially a dark hooded top.　

Last night Elgin’s Mosque was attacked and vandalised. It’s devastating that this has happened in our community. Islamophobia cannot be tolerated - we must all stand up and speak out against this intolerance. Love and solidarity to all Muslims in Moray.