A director of a business on The Strand, Walmer, described the culprits as mindless, irresponsible and selfish, and is keen to see the criminal identified.

Sgt Chris Gurney, from Deal neighbourhood policing, said: "Damage such as this, which has been caused by the use of black spray paint, is both unsightly and expensive to remove and we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry to identify and bring the offender(s) to justice."

A variety of long-legged people and the world Bandito was sprayed on walls on Friday night, including buildings in Queen Street, Canada Road and Beach Street, as well as the Timeball Tower.

Bandito was also found sprayed on the district council-owned Deal Timeball Tower on Saturday morning. A council spokesman said: "We would remind people that graffiti is a criminal offence and costs the council considerable sums of money to clean up.

"If any persons are convicted of such an offence, the district council will robustly pursue recompense towards these costs."

For full story buy the East Kent Mercury, December 16.

* Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 01622 690690. Callers who have information but would prefer to remain anonymous can ring Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.