OPP investigating racist graffiti at Lakeshore school, nearby park and sidewalk

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) say hateful vandalism found at Lakeshore Discovery School in the southwestern Ontario municipality is currently under investigation.

The elementary school with the Greater Essex County District School Boardsent a letter home to families on Tuesday explaining what was discovered that morning onportables,and in a nearby park and on a sidewalk.

"The hateful words and images were anti-Black, antisemitic, anti-immigrant, misogynist,and included threats of violence," says the letter from the school, which goes from kindergarten to Grade 8.

"We strongly condemn this hateful act. Ontario Provincial Police have responded and there could be serious charges for this crime."

A spokesperson for the OPP told CBC News on Wednesday that while it can confirm an investigation is ongoing, "investigators cannot speculate on motive."

The school saidthe markings werecovered up by around 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday.

"This could cause hurt, confusion, angerand other emotional harm. We encourage you to speak with your child to find out whether they saw the vandalism so you can support them we're also available for support to provide additional resources."

The principal and vice-principal saidthey're"saddened" and "disturbed" by the incident, and remaincommitted to working to build a school climate where everyone feels safe and included.

"Hate has no place in our school or in our community."

The Municipality of Lakeshore said in a statement Wednesday staff had cleaned up "hateful and discriminatory" graffiti in River Ridge Park.

"There is no space for hate in Lakeshore, and I appreciate our staff's quick response to remove those messages," said Mayor Tracey Bailey. "We want to ensure that Lakeshore's incredible parks and public spaces are welcoming to all, and we urge anyone with information on these types of incidentsto contact the OPP."

Anyone who sees graffiti in Lakeshore is urged to report it to the public service unit, which will document the graffiti before cleaning it up.

Meanwhile, police say anyone living in the area of IC Roy Drive and surrounding areas in Lakeshorethat may have video surveillance cameras shouldcheck their surveillance footage between 4 p.m., on Sept.9 and 7a.m., on Sept.10 and contact investigators if they find anything suspicious.