A Darlington tattoo parlour was covered in paint last weekend after vandals allegedly defaced the store.
Wicked Ink Tattoo Emporium in Darlington was allegedly vandalised bright yellow paint by on Sunday evening.
The front of the shop, which is on North Road, was covered in paint, while the floor outside had the mess splattered all over.
Residents reacting online were appalled by the scene reportedly left by the perpetrators, while nearby staff at other shops confirmed it was an act of vandalism.
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Meanwhile, residents took to social media over the course of the week to show their shock and disgust at the alleged act.
In a post showing their anger, one said: "What is this town coming to, about time the police lock them up?"
Wishing the owner well in respect of the incident, another said: "At first I thought it was some kind of beginning to an artwork, until I saw the floor. I hope they do well when they open.
Another frustrated resident said: "More stupid vandalism", while another labelled the incident "shocking."
Optimistically, others have suggested the business stick it to any potential vandals, and use their "amazing" artistic skills to paint over the shutters and turn the vandalism into art.
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Pictures of the scene showed paint smeared and spattered across the shutters, floor and surrounding area of the store.
In an update online, one resident reported the mess has since been cleared and offered their well-wishes to the owner.
Others have also claimed Wicked Ink have not been the first tattoo shop in the area to be targeted like this, and said it has happened to several others.
Durham Police have confirmed they were called to an incident on North Road, involving paint being thrown over the front of the shop.
A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 5.40pm on Sunday (October 30) following reports that paint had been thrown over the front of a shop on North Road, in Darlington.
"An investigation into the incident is ongoing."
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