THE SCHOOL targeted by vandals who sprayed Nazi graffiti on its wall has condemned the 'heartbreaking' act.

Swastikas were daubed across a back wall of Cheney School at the weekend, alongside a reference thought to relate to the New Zealand shooting last week.

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Oxford City Council and staff at the school acted swiftly to remove the graffiti, which was spotted Saturday morning, before students returned today.

Oxford Mail:

pictures from SWNS

The secondary school Cheney Lane, Headington, has slammed the graffiti as 'extremely offensive' and 'unacceptable' and said it is working closely with Thames Valley Police to help find the perpetrators of the 'upsetting hate crime'.

Head of school Rupert Moreton said: "There is absolutely no place for this kind of hate crime anywhere in the world, let alone in or near our school community.

"We are a school that celebrates diversity and all that it brings to our make our community so vibrant and it is truly heart-breaking to witness such offensive and unacceptable graffiti. 

"We will be offering staff and students the opportunity, today, to reflect on the incidents in Christchurch and to send thoughts and prayers to the community in Christchurch, the murdered victims, their families and friends."

Thames Valley Police is investigating the graffiti and has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

READ AGAIN: Police now investigating 'horrific' graffiti on school wall

Oxford Mail:

The force also said local officers will be visiting places of worship and speaking with local faith leaders in the community to reassure them over 'safety and confidence'.

Police Commander for Oxford City Joe Kidman tweeted: "Utterly deplorable & does not represent our tolerant city. Call 101 with info to help our investigation.

"Local officers visiting places of worship to reassure & I'm in touch with faith leaders re safety and confidence. We stand with our NZ friends & all our communities."

Oxford Stand Up To Racism group also acted swiftly to reassure local communities and put out its own poster campaign condemning the New Zealand attack and Oxford graffiti.

Oxford Mail:

A vigil was also held on Friday in Oxford to pay tribute to the victims of the terror attack, which left 50 people dead.

READ AGAIN: 'No one can divide us' - Oxford holds vigil for New Zealand shooting victims

Dr Sheikh Ramzy, director Oxford Islamic Information Centre, said more than 100 people from across the county united outside Carfax Tower for the tribute.