Neo-Nazi race-hate graffiti has been daubed on the fence of a works yard.

The owners today put up a £2,500 reward to catch the culprits and police condemned the attack as "appalling".

The vandals struck Monday night on the A24 Findon Valley bypass at Findon Valley, Worthing.

Neo-Nazi swastikas and words including "jipoes" (sic), "get em out" and "Come on Arun" were painted in large letters.

A police spokeswoman said: "We are treating this as criminal damage and racially motivated.

"This kind of race-hate act will not be tolerated.

"It has a very negative impact on people going about their normal business."

The property belongs to George Lister, a one-time traveller who settled in the area 25 years ago. He has owned the yard for the same length of time.

Mr Lister is now retired and his main home is in Spain, but the buildings are used as storage for his children's businesses.

Mr Lister, 62, and suffering from diabetes, said he blamed politicians for stirring up trouble with proposals to crackdown on travellers wanting to buy land they settle on.

He said his property was purchased legitimately from West Sussex County Council and he obtained all proper planning permission.

He said: "Why have they picked on us?

"I have five children and 13 grandchildren and all live in this area.

"I'm worried now all of us will get a visit from these people.

"All we want to do is live in peace."

His son George Lister (junior), 28, runs an import business and uses the yard for storage.

He said: "Its absolutely disgusting. My kids go to school locally and I'm worried these people might come after us or to my house.

"We have had a bit of trouble at the site before but nothing like this.

"We just want to live and let live."

Mr Lister is offering the £2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

The police spokeswoman said: "We are urgently appealing for witnesses to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Worthing police on 0845 6070 999.