WARNING: this article contains distressing content.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident at Hendon Golf Club as a “racially aggravated hate crime”.

Officers attended the scene on Friday morning (October 11) after a member of staff reported that offensive and antisemitic messages had been raked into the golf course’s bunkers.

Signs at the club in Devonshire Road had also been vandalised, and other property damaged.

No arrests have been made and police enquiries into the incident continue.

Footage posted online showed that at least one swastika and the words “Heil Hitler” had been drawn in the sand. Another message read: “F**k the Jews”.

The Community Security Trust, a charity dedicated to the security of the Jewish community in Britain, described the incident as “appalling”.

In a statement posted to X, the charity said: “For this to occur in the heart of the Jewish community shortly before the onset of Yom Kippur is utterly disgraceful.

“We are in regular contact with the police and have urged them to thoroughly investigate this hate crime, and we ask anyone with any information about it to contact CST and the police.”

Hendon Golf Club has confirmed that it was the “victim of race related vandalism”, and that the messages have since been removed.

Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Branch, who works for the police unit which covers Barnet said: “We are aware of the shock and distress that this incident has caused, especially coming at a time when the Jewish community is celebrating Yom Kippur.

“The incident is being investigated as a racially aggravated hate crime and work is ongoing, led by officers from the North West community safety unit, to identify and arrest whoever is responsible for this.

“Following the incident we have attended the golf course to support the club and have spoken to community leaders to ensure they are updated on the progress of this investigation.

“Local residents will also continue to see a visible police presence in and around key areas across our boroughs.”

Anyone with information that could help police has been asked to call 101 quoting reference CAD1690/11Oct.

You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.