Mississauga church vandalism investigated as 'hate crime'

A spray-painted statue stands in front of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Mississauga.

Police have launched a "hate crime" investigation after a church, school and statue were spray-painted by vandals in Mississauga.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, located at 2340 Hurontario St., was vandalized some time Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, Peel Regional Police told CTV Toronto.

Const. George Tudos said spray-painted graffiti was found on the front and back of the church, as well as on the wall of a school next door.

The face of a statue of Jesus that stands in front of the church was also painted black.

Based on the anti-Semitic messages painted in black, police are treating the vandalism as a hate crime.

Police said the suspects are outstanding, and investigators are still reviewing security footage.

A contractor has been hired to remove the graffiti following the investigation.