People can “no longer stay silent” after swastikas popped up in a city park.

Several trees and a graffiti tunnel in Southampton Common were chosen targets for the Nazi-related symbol earlier this week.

'SS' symbols, representing the Schutzstaffel, a major paramilitary organisation under Adolf Hitler, also appeared on trees. 

Although the symbols appeared recently, the pain has always been there, said Mandana Lamb, of Southampton Council of Faiths.

(Image: Supplied) Mandana, who follows the Baha'i Faith, said it now feels “uncomfortable as it is on our doorstep”.

“The inequality and injustice in the world are ripe and it makes no difference where or who we are”, she said.

She said: “We stayed silent while it started by the politicians and the greedy as it did not affect my family or community but now that we are feeling it, we can no longer stay silent.

“The few that still feel they are better or in a higher position than the rest of us are feeling it too but still resisting acceptance of responsibility, hence the swastika. 

“How we create a better world is by people understanding their own powers and accepting responsibility towards not just ourselves but towards our neighbours, communities, country and the world.”

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For Mandana, education is the key and enables people to learn and work towards a better world.

She said: “I do hope and know that a better world will come but it is our choice whether we have hand in it or not.

“I want to have a hand in it however small. Let's all be humans in the real meaning and not just in name.”

Police confirmed an investigation is underway after reports were made to the force on Tuesday.

Satvir Kaur, Labour MP for Southampton Test, condemned the graffiti.

Speaking on Wednesday, she said: “As a proud city of sanctuary, I’m disappointed and shocked to see this happening in Southampton.

"I hope those responsible are caught and stop spreading this clear and toxic racism that has no place here.”

The graffiti was “quickly removed” from the trees on Tuesday, according to Southampton City Council.

A spokesperson said: “The council takes all instances of graffiti extremely seriously.

“We strongly condemn this vile act of vandalism and won’t hesitate to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“Southampton is a tolerant and inclusive city, and this graffiti does not represent our city in any way.”