Volunteers running a charity shop that helps the victims of domestic violence were distressed to find it had been vandalised overnight.

Survivor, which raises money for Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, was targeted by hooligans who sprayed the front with graffiti with the slogan "out for kicks."

Shop manager Carol Gibbon said police had told her the incident was not the only one to happen in the early hours of Monday.

She said: “We’re all volunteers so we were very upset when we saw it. It’s totally against what we stand for and kick is very malicious.

"A lot of our ladies have come from aggravated situations and have survived it so are now giving something back - so they just don’t need it.”

She said: “It’s just reassuring it wasn’t targeted at the nature of the charity as we know other shops were also selected on a trail going through town.”

Borough councillor Tim Swinyard and volunteer Alistair Flockhart turned up with stepladders and scrubbed the spray paint off.

“It was a shock to see how someone could be so mindless to do that especially as the shop means so much to so many people and it’s been so key to people this past year,” said Coun Swinyard.

“Seeing vandals do that, we felt we had no option but to tidy it up. We can’t have people doing that as the charity are genuinely saving lives.”

I care about the charity a lot so seeing the graffiti, I wanted to help. As the cabinet member for levelling up, my priority is helping the most vulnerable in our town and this amazing charity does just that."

He appealed for anyone who had information about the vandalism to come forward and tell police.

Alistair added: "It’s such a shame because everyone is trying to get by at the moment so minutes of mindless vandalism can impact them so much.”

“There are walls in Swindon where people can do this sort of thing but the shop doesn’t need this kind of aggravation. Just think twice before doing it.”

When MP and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland heard about the incident he said: "This local charity provides vital support to many vulnerable people across the town.

“I’m really pleased that Coun Tim Swinyard and Alistair Flockhart stepped up and cleaned up the graffiti. Mindful vandalism was met with swift and mindful action from them – another example of Swindon’s fantastic community spirit."

Anyone with information is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101. If anyone is experiencing domestic abuse they can call the SWA 24-hour helpline on 01793 610610.