A swastika carved into wet cement has been swiftly removed by a council after a Jewish passer-by reported it.
But the man was shocked to be asked by a call centre operator: "What is a swastika?" and "is it offensive?"
The motif had been carved into cement sealing a drain cover outside a newly-renovated house in Frognal, Hampstead, and close to several Jewish homes.
The man, who was not prepared to be identified, rang Camden Council and says he was first asked to explain what a swastika was before being asked how he felt about it.
He said: "I was walking and glanced down and it caught my eye. Because it was in the concrete it must have been done when it was wet.
