A synagogue in Scotland has been daubed with neo-Nazi graffiti and racist insults.

But police insist the attack is not evidence that racial tensions in England have moved north of the Border.

The act of vandalism on the Hebrew Congregation building in Dundee occurred late on Sunday evening.

Tayside Police said it was a despicable incident, but did not indicate that racial tensions, which have erupted in violence in northern England, had moved to Scotland.

A swastika, National Front symbols, racist language and references to the far-right group Combat 18 were spray-painted at the back of the building in St Mary's Place in the city.

Members of the synagogue say they have had problems in the past, but this is the most serious attack they have suffered since the 1970s.

'Remain vigilant'

A spokesman for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said possible links to far right groups made it a "worrying incident".

They are reminding congregations across the UK to remain vigilant.

However, a force spokesman said: "We believe that this was an isolated incident.

"There has been no evidence of any racial tension in the city. This came out of the blue.

"As far as we are aware there has not been an attack on this synangogue in recent years.

"We are urging anyone who may have witnessed something to come forward.

"We are unsure at this stage how many people were involved in the attack."

Officers are now examining closed circuit television footage.