Spanish Graffiti Translating to 'English Better Off Dead' Appears in Bournemouth
Offensive messages in Spanish have been spray-painted on public property in the seaside town, sparking local anger and concern.
Anti-English graffiti translating to 'English better off dead' has appeared in several public locations in Bournemouth, a seaside town in Dorset, England.
The spray-painted messages, written in Spanish, were discovered on a wooden fence at Woodland Walk and on a clifftop path at Portman Ravine in the suburb of Boscombe. Similar offensive graffiti was found and removed by the local council three months prior.
Bournemouth is a popular destination for Spanish students, with over 40 language schools operating in the area. The town also hosts three migrant hotels, one of which, The Roundhouse, is scheduled to cease housing asylum seekers next month.
Locals have condemned the graffiti, with one resident calling it "absolutely disgusting" and another describing the language as "threatening." Concerns have been raised by some about the potential link between the graffiti and local complaints about beach disturbances.
Local councillor George Farquhar stated that such hate messages are "not acceptable in society today" and should be dealt with swiftly. He urged the public to report offensive graffiti for prompt removal.
The area has experienced other instances of vandalism, including anti-Semitic messages and swastikas. Bournemouth was also among the locations affected by anti-immigration protests in the summer of 2025.
The Roundhouse hotel, a 102-room establishment, has been a focal point for protests. In July, approximately 100 anti-immigration protesters clashed with police and counter-protesters outside the hotel.
BCP Council has advised residents to report offensive graffiti to Dorset Police. A council spokesperson noted that while they address graffiti, offensive messages require police involvement. Dorset Police were contacted for comment.