ROYAL British Legion poppy sellers were forced to collect donations in the shadow of swastikas after National Front graffiti was daubed on the wall of a Chandler's Ford supermarket.

Racist remarks were plastered across the Waitrose store at Fryern Hill, off Oakmount Road, and on other nearby properties in a paint-spraying spree by vandals.

The wreckers have been condemned by Eastleigh-based PC Ben Hibberd, who said: "Graffiti at any time is antisocial and unacceptable. On this occasion it was particularly offensive and disrespectful as poppy sellers were stood outside the store selling poppies in remembrance of our war veterans who will be remembered in Armistice parades on Sunday."

Shoppers Ian and Christine Matley from Chandler's Ford, agreed. Pensioner Mr Matley, who was wearing his poppy with pride, said: "It is very offensive and very insensitive, particularly at this time of year and also when we have young kids out in Iraq being killed.

"They want flogging."

A spokesman for Waitrose said the graffiti had been cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Police say members of the Eastleigh-based tactical crime unit made one arrest within four hours of the incident being reported. The youth was subsequently released on police bail.

Officers are now trying to identify a second person they believe was involved, who uses the street name of Biggley.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact PC Hibberd on 0845 045 4545, or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.