VANDALS have been described as 'mindless morons' after spraying graffiti to look like genitals on streets near an East Lancashire landmark.

Alfie Cookson, known as the Odd Job Boy of Clitheroe, posted the images on Facebook. They were taken on roads near Clitheroe Castle and there were reports of more crude graffiti on windows of houses on Mitchell Street.

The 18-year-old said: "I was just walking up to the castle for a stroll and came across a couple of graffiti images and thought it is not the best thing to see up there.

"I just wanted to get it cleaned up as I did not want any young people see it.

"I got some bleach, salt, WD40 and my mum's scraping brush to get it all cleared.

"She told me off as she could not use the brush again as it was covered in bleach.

"I think it was just kids who don't know any better.

Clitheroe county councillor Ian Brown said: "They are just mindless morons for writing on the council pavements but to do it on people's houses and windows - I think it is abysmal and just not right.

"We are known for being a tourist area especially with the castle but it is not good when you see this on the streets.

"I don't know what would happen if the people were ever found but it should not have to be cleaned up - it should not be done in the first place.

"They may think of it as a childish prank and it is unacceptable behaviour.

"It is not funny for young people to be walking past it.

"I know they may be aware of these things but they should not be spray painting it on the sides of houses."

One of residents on Mitchell Street, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It happened on Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.

"I washed it off an hour later because it was on glass and was easy to rub off.

"I was shocked because I have no enemies that would do something like that."