Conservative councillor slams 'moron' vandal after Southsea billboard is sprayed with the words 'kill Tory voters'

The threatening daubing in black spray paint has been left on a Cancer Research UK advertisement in Bristol Road.

Southsea resident William Bates, 21, said he was ‘shocked and disappointed’ when he spotted the graffiti on Sunday.

Linda Symes, a Conservative councillor for Eastney and Craneswater, said she was not worried about the message – but called the culprit behind it a ‘moron'.

‘I don’t mind street art when it does something constructive, but this is just mindless,’ she said.

‘It’s been perpetrated by someone who hasn't got anything better to do.

‘We have the democratic right to go and vote and we have to abide by that.’

It is not known when billboard was vandalised, but the advert is part of a campaign launched by Cancer Research UK in June.

Conservative councillor for Hilsea, Scott Payter-Harris, added: ‘The comments are worrying and represent a growth in hate crimes from a particular section of society towards people with differing views.

‘One of the key things for people in Portsmouth is to be able to express their opinions, but to do it in a way that doesn't create fear or threats of violence as this is a criminal offence.

‘I urge anyone with information to contact Hampshire police.’

The board is located close to Bristol Road's junction with Highland Road.