An animal rights protester has sprayed graffiti along a row of fencing in a quiet Oxford street.

Messages including "Ban Vivisection Now" and "Stop the Animal Lab" were sprayed in black paint along a row of fencing behind Reliance Way overnight yesterday, along with the ALF, Animal Liberation Front, tag.

Residents were shocked and angry that they had been targeted.

Tony Brett, who lives in Reliance Way and is the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, said: "I'm not aware of any direct connections with Reliance Way and any sort of animal research but it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable."

Neighbour Alex Blok said: "They have a right to protest but not to vandalise. It's wrong."

Oxford City Council has said it will clear up the graffiti over the weekend.