Police are calling for witnesses after a Messianic synagogue in Norwich was dubbed with graffiti last night.

The antisemitic daubings, which included a swastika, ‘kike’ and ‘free Palestine’, was discovered early this morning as the shul opened for morning prayers.

“I am deeply saddened by this and saddened that people hate so much it motivates them to commit such a crime,” said Rabbi Binyamin Sheldrake, rabbi at the targeted Adat Yeshua Synagogue.

“This is sleepy Norfolk, we don’t expect this. It is the first time the synagogue has been targeted, though many of us in the community including myself have experienced antisemitism.”

Rabbi Sheldrake added the police had taken paint samples from the door and CCTV. He has also been heartened by messages of support from the community including a local mosque.

A team from Norwich City Council removed the graffiti. "This is sad and shocking to see and we will not tolerate this kind of hatred in our city. We stand in complete solidarity with our Jewish community in Norwich and with people from all backgrounds and religions,” said a spokeswoman.

Local police have stepped up “reassurance patrols” in the area after the incident, which they are classifying as criminal damage.