GRAFFITI scrawled on several walls around Royal Wootton Bassett has sparked fears of the emergence of a new gang and has disgusted residents.

The unsightly scribbles in white and blue spray paint were first reported to police after appearing on several walls along Station Road, including residential walls and by the car park to the rear of the Morrisons Local store.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team initially received a report of the graffiti on November 19, although neighbours told officers they thought it had begun to appear from November 11.

There are some concerns the unreadable scrawl is the mark of a new gang in the town, and now police are appealing to Swindon residents who may have seen similar tags scrawled on walls to help establish the culprits.

PCSO Jim Wale of the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have not seen these tags in Bassett before and we’re looking to hear from Swindon residents to see if they recognise it.

“There are some thoughts that it might be a new gang. Most gang tags incorporate a post code to mark out some geographical area but this one seems to look more like a scribble.

“We first had a report from a resident about it on their property in Station Road, and there is some more all along the road, but nobody else has come forward to report it.

“We are carrying out the usual enquiries and the investigation is ongoing. We are in the process of checking through the CCTV too.”

Some attempt has been made to remove the graffiti, but so far has just smudged the marks into the wall.

PCSO Wale said: “We don’t see a lot of graffiti, fortunately, in Bassett and when it does happen people are upset by it.

“Most graffiti is pretty unsightly, unless it’s something by Banksy and this certainly isn’t a Banksy.

“It’s also criminal damage on private property, and can cost thousands of pounds to remove. It needs special, very harsh chemicals to clean off as well as a lot of time and effort.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 103958, or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555 where you can leave information anonymously.