Australia: 'Swastika' spray painted outside synagogue in Sydney

According to reports, vandals targeted a synagogue and spray-painted red swastikas outside its entrance.

New South Wales Police said its officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command were notified after graffiti was spray painted on a synagogue on Georgina Street, Newtown.

"Initial inquiries have led police to believe two people attended the synagogue around 4.25am today and spray painted graffiti on the fence and building, while also attempting to light the premises on fire," police said in a statement.

Police said the pair left the scene afterwards.

"A crime scene was established and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident commenced," police said.

Police said they are also investigating two other separate incidents of graffiti in Sydney.

"Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were notified about 6.30am after graffiti was spray painted on a house on Henry Street, Queens Park, as well as five parked and unattended cars and a trailer on the same street," read the police statement.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the incidents as 'horrifying' and 'hateful'.

Attacks on Jewish establishments in Australia occurred amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Hamas group targeted Israel on October 7, 2023,  leaving 1200 dead and 250 others were taken as hostages.

Israel launched military campaign in Gaza following the October 7 attack.