A tanning salon owner says her business is 'under siege' by vandals after it was targeted twice in four weeks.

Vandals smashed a window and daubed obscene graffiti on the door of the salon, Timanfaya Tanz, in Great George Street, Weymouth.

It is believed to be a personal attack against a member of staff.

Owner Vicky Davies says she had replaced the front window – broken in a previous attack – just two days prior to the latest incident.

The Echo reported last month how windows had been smashed at the salon and offensive graffiti spray painted outside.

The latest attack happened in the early hours of Friday.

Ms Davies believes it to be a direct attack against a member of staff, whose name was graffitied on the salon along with a homophobic slur.

Police are investigating.

Ms Davies said: "I arrived at the salon around 8.30am.

"As soon as I realised what happened I rang my partner and we spent the day running around nearby businesses collecting CCTV footage.

"Footage shows someone using a hammer and chisel to strategically break the glass through the security grill."

She added: "To say I'm angry doesn't come close.

"It's a personal attack on a member of staff, it's the second we've had in a month. Now we're just worried how far this is going to go.

"The one good thing is it's shown how strong community spirit is in the street, everyone's rallied round to help."

Christian Kiernan, who works at the shop one day a week, had his name graffitied on the wall.

The nail technician said he believes the attack is part of an ongoing hate campaign.

He said: "The scary thing is it's only been four weeks since the last attack – the fact it happened straight after the glass was replaced shows their mentality.

"All that has been running through my mind is what they might do next."

He added: "Customers were absolutely horrified – everyone's being supportive, but trade has been affected.

"I'd like to let our regulars know we're still open and would love them to come and catch up over a coffee.

"It's a frightening situation but we refuse to be intimidated."

Ms Davies encourages people to contact Dorset Police if they have any information.

Police appeal

Dorset Police is investigating reports of criminal damage and graffiti at Timanfaya Tanz salon in Great George Street, Weymouth that was reported last Friday.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "It is believed to have happened in the early hours of that morning.

"This is the second similar incident to have occurred – with a previous incident being reported on Sunday, October 14.

"Officers believe this to be a targeted personal attack – with offensive graffiti being sprayed on the building.

"A detailed investigation is ongoing including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.

"Dorset Police takes all forms of hate crime extremely seriously and a full investigation is underway to identify the culprits."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180185065. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Click here to read about the previous incident