An 'horrific' Nazi slogan has been spotted on two buildings in Norwich.

Norwich Evening News: A second offensive slogan also appeared on the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments building on Mountergate. Picture: SubmittedA second offensive slogan also appeared on the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments building on Mountergate. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

The slogans were spotted on Saturday on the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments building on Mountergate, and also on the Jobcentre building in Pottergate.

The German phrase 'arbeit macht frei', meaning "work sets you free", was spray-painted onto the buildings - the phrase is well-known for appearing at Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War.

It was used by SS officer Theodor Eicke at Dachau in Germany, while it most famously appears at the entrance of the Auschwitz camp in Poland.

A second message, describing the DWP - believed in this case to be referring to the Department for Work and Pensions - as "Nazis", also appeared on the assessment centre.

Norwich Evening News: A Nazi slogan was spray-painted onto the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments building on Mountergate. Picture: SubmittedA Nazi slogan was spray-painted onto the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments building on Mountergate. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

One passer-by said she was "shocked" by the "horrific" vandalism, when she spotted while walking with her husband.

The woman, who did not wish to be identified, said: "It's horrible that someone would do this."

A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: "Police have received three separate reports following incidents of criminal damage in the Norwich area today (Saturday, March 7).

"The incidents were reported to have happened between approximately 2pm and 3.30pm when suspect(s) sprayed offensive language on two business premises in Mountergate and Pottergate.

Norwich Evening News: The slogan famously appears at the entrance of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. Picture: Kieron PimThe slogan famously appears at the entrance of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. Picture: Kieron Pim

"Police are investigating the incidents and enquiries are ongoing."

Norwich City Council has been notified of the vandalism, and the slogans at the assessment centre are currently being removed.