AN investigation is underway into racist comments which were posted online in response to a police appeal to find a missing man.

The appeal was posted by Cleveland Police in the early hours of Friday after a 44-year-old man went missing from Hartlepool.

The man was found later in the day but officers have been made aware that a number of posts made in relation to the appeal had been of a racist nature.

Officers from the force's Hate Crime Investigation Unit are now investigating the posts, which were made by more than one individual.

Chief Superintendent Thom Mcloughlin said: “As a result of comments of a racist nature made on a social media appeal overnight, we have instructed specialist investigators to review the matter and where appropriate we will take enforcement action.

“We will not tolerate racism on any level and all reports will be thoroughly investigated.”