WESTPORT — Police investigating a hiker’s report that a swastika-decorated snowman — apparently built to resemble Nazi leader Adolf Hitler — was found Sunday in the Newman-Poses Preserve, said Tuesday that antisemitic symbols were removed by the time it was located.

Responding to “numerous” media inquiries about the incident, first reported early Monday based on the hiker’s tip, police said in a Tuesday afternoon statement they were alerted to the Hitler snowman by a local rabbi, who was not identified, acting on information provided by the hiker.

The hiker, who took photos of the snowman — decorated not only with a swastika, but the “toothbrush” mustache, drooping hair and Sieg Heil salute associated with Hitler — had encountered it while trekking through the open-space property shortly after 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Officers investigating the complaint the next morning found the snowman, but it no longer was decorated with antisemitic symbols, police said.

Police later contacted the hiker who told them that after photographing the snowman, he removed the antisemitic symbols, according to the statement.

The incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call the Police Department at 203-341-6000.

To ensure timely investigation into reports of hate incidents, officials said, police should be alerted directly as soon as possible.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, in comments accompanying the Tuesday afternoon statement from police, joined the Anti-Defamation League of Connecticut and others who earlier condemned the incident.

“This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community. Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong,” Tooker said in the statement.

“I will continue to lead with that goal as my North Star and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.”