A SOUTHAMPTON job centre has been targeted by a vandal who sprayed Nazi graffiti across the front of the building.

The vandal tagged parts of Job Centre Plus, on Bernard Street, with several swastikas - a symbol of the German Nazi party.

Windows were also smashed, while the phrase 'work makes you free' was sprayed on the pavement outside the centre.

The words are believed to be a reference to the phrase 'Arbeit macht frei', translated to 'work sets you free', which appeared above the entrance to a number of Nazi concentration camps.

One camp to feature the phrase was Auschwitz, where an estimated 1.1 million people died – the vast majority of whom were Jews.

Police have now confirmed they have arrested a man from Southampton on suspicion criminal damage.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "We received reports of criminal damage at the Jobcentre Plus office in Bernard Street, Southampton between 2pm and 4.15pm on Sunday, September 23.

"A 35-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He remains in custody at this time."

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions, who run Job Centre Plus, said no staff were in at the time of the incident.

They also confirmed the job centre remains open to the public today, with business as usual.

The spokesperson said: "Everyone has a right to protest peacefully, however vandalism is completely unacceptable.

"The police are investigating this incident and we are supporting any staff affected.”

The spokesperson added the graffiti is expected to be removed today.