From the Melton Leader:

Racist vandals spray Melton church drive

WHOEVER painted racist graffiti outside Melton’s Brethren Church may have been caught in the act.

The bright orange writing was written under the gaze of a security camera at the church’s entrance on the western end of High St.

Mystery surrounds why the graffiti appeared at the church, which has no apparent link to Melton’s black community.

A rubbish bin which was thrown over the gate was also covered in paint, while several rubbish bags were also thrown over the fence and a light was smashed. Nearby residents were appalled at the graffiti.

“There’s certainly not room for that in this country,” one resident said.

“In a criminal context it’s not a serious thing, but in a social context, it is.

“We’re trying to help these people integrate and things like this don’t help. It’s offensive there’s families who walk right past there.”

The church did not wish to comment on the attack, but has since removed the graffiti.

Another resident told the Leader two young males in a white van were seen outside the church about 10.30pm last Wednesday.

“We try to watch over things and keep an eye out for each other,” she said. “If we see something a bit suspicious we come out and try and take down a number plate.”