A Pride organiser has been left ‘shocked’ by homophobic graffiti on a flag displayed at Bicester Fire Station.

The flag was hung up outside the station to celebrate Bicester Pride, which held its first festival over last weekend.

Founder and director Christina Riley said: “We are a small market town and you would think the community should be safe, but here we are. We have people in the town that have gone out of their way to vandalise the flag. It just proves why Pride matters.”

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses about the incident which took place between September 24 and 28.

The police are investigating the graffiti as criminal damage.

Investigating officer, PC Phil Morris said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or has information about what happened, to please come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101."