A MAN has been arrested in connection with a spate of graffiti which has been appearing around a city in recent weeks.

The “lost” tag has been appearing all over Durham, including on bridges, walls and homes.

More than a dozen instances of the distinctive tag, which is sometimes accompanied with a further emblem, have been spotted along the riverbank paths in the city, including on Grade I listed structure Kingsgate Bridge, several Durham University boathouses, the old swimming baths and at Durham City Cricket Club, in Green Lane.

There have also been reports of it on buildings and homes in Claypath, Gilesgate, Framwellgate Moor and Carrville.

Police say they have received a number of reports of criminal damage and on Saturday arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the incidents.

He has been released under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Chris Woollett, from Durham City CID said: “We are appealing for anyone who has been a victim of this crime who may not have reported the matter to come forward.”

Councillor Richard Ormerod said he had received a number of complaints about the problem.

He said: “This graffiti is not art, it is selfish, antisocial vandalism.

“It is a blight on our community and beautiful city, and must be stopped.

“ I hope the police take tough action against the perpetrators as a deterrent to others.

“I would like to thank the council’s Clean & Green Team for the swift work they have done in removing much of the mess.

“I would advise all residents to report any graffiti to the council. Contrary to what is widely believed, the council will remove graffiti from private property as well as its own.”

There have also been recent instance of other graffiti in the area, including at the 19th century Count’s House, on the riverbanks near Prebends Bridge and the story telling chair, also near Prebends.

Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, who described the graffiti as “senseless”, added: “I’m pleased that Durham police have acted swiftly to deal with this spate of graffiti across the city centre.

“Durham is a beautiful and historic city and graffiti such as this detracts from the wonderful environment that we all treasure, and devalues the significance of the World Heritage site.”