Police and councillors have expressed their shock after abuse was daubed on a traveller's caravan just outside Oswestry.

Pictures were sent to the Advertizer of hateful messages painted on the side of the caravan, including one reading "move here you die", while a petrol can was also left on the doorstep of the vehicle.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

The caravan is part of a change of use planning application near Trefonen, from a paddock to a traveller's site, which has been opposed by Oswestry Rural Parish Council.

Its chairman, Councillor Peter Richardson, condemned the abuse daubed on the caravan, and said it did not go with the council's principles.

"I absolutely condemn it any intimidation or act like that is outside the law," he said.

"They have a right to an application – that's what due process is all about and that's why we have planning applications.

"Obviously the parish council can make their opinion on it but at the end of the day, it's up to planning officers to decide to decide on the merits, and whether it meets Shropshire Council's guidelines.

"I would absolutely condemn any form of harassment and intimidation and it's certainly against everything that Oswestry Rural Parish Council stands for.

"We would welcome things to be done within due process and the law, and anybody who is invading other people's property with intimation and threats of violence, even death, is something we would absolutely condemn as a parish council."

Inspector Claire Greenaway, from Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), confirmed an investigation is underway and warned that hate crime will not be tolerated.

She said: "The incident is currently under investigation and we are waiting for the results of the forensic examination at this time.

"Clearly an incident such as this is treated with great seriousness and I acknowledge the upset that it must have caused.

"Hate crime will absolutely not be tolerated in our community.

"I would urge anyone who may have information to come forward and provide us with any information or sightings they may have had in connection with this case."