Vandals have defaced a book of condolence for the victims of the American terror attacks.

Civic chiefs in Newcastle upon Tyne were stunned when they saw the message in the city's condolence book.

The message, copied out neatly, said: "It was a long time coming. They got what they deserved.

"Perhaps now they will feel safe now they are the victims."

The spiteful sentiments were in stark contrast to the hundreds of notes of sympathy.

Staff at Newcastle Civic Centre covered the offending message and returned the book to its stand.

Jonathan Parker, the council's central services manager. said: "There has been only one instance where an unwelcome message was written in the Book of Condolence amid many hundreds of messages of support.

"Measures have been taken so that no one else can see it and be offended by it.

"We will take every measure to ensure this does not happen again."

A council worker said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw those words written in the book.

"It is pure racism to write such a thing and that has no place at any time, but particularly when so many have lost their lives."

Malik Chaudhry, head of Tyneside's Racial Equality Council, said: "It is scandalous that someone has done that. It is bound to raise racial tensions with the Muslim community."