Pupils at a north London school have been left "shocked and upset" after antisemitic graffiti that allegedly included the statement "kill Jews" was found inside a bathroom on the premises.

The sinister message, believed to be accompanied by a swastika, was discovered at Channing School in Highgate on Thursday.

Lindsey Hughes, the head teacher of the £24,900-a-year school, sent out an urgent letter to parents to alert them to the "horrifying" act.

"I am deeply saddened to be writing to you this afternoon to let you know that a piece of antisemitic graffiti was found in one of the student toilets at lunchtime," Hughes wrote.

She continued: "As you would expect, we acted swiftly as soon as we were made aware of it, ensuring no more students had access to the bathroom and removing the graffiti.

"Nonetheless, a number of students saw what had been written and this has had an impact on the school community."

Hughes said she would speak to the whole school on Friday morning to "reiterate unequivocally that antisemitism is abhorrent, unacceptable and will not be tolerated". 

She went on: "It has no place in our school and I am personally horrified that any student should have expressed such a view, and in this way. 

"While we are unable to identify the author of this graffiti, I will make clear that I expect them to contemplate their actions and urge them to come clean about their involvement. 

"I have no doubt that you will share my outrage and unhappiness at this situation and please rest assured that every adult in the school community will be working to ensure that this cannot happen again."

Channing School told the JC the incident was reported to the police as well as the Community Security Trust, and that they have opened an internal investigation into the matter.

According to the Met Police, antisemitic hate crimes logged since October 7 mushroomed by over 1,350 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The CST recorded 805 antisemitic incidents in the 21 days following the attacks, the highest ever reported in a three-week period.