WESTPORT — Racist graffiti scrawled on basketball courts at Compo Beach late Tuesday is being denounced by town officials and investigated by police.

Employees of the Parks and Recreation Department discovered the offensive graffiti in the course of routine duties Tuesday night, according to a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.

In that statement, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas said the graffiti was documented by officers dispatched to the scene and is being used as evidence in a potential criminal investigation.

No other details about the racist language used to vandalize the courts were released.

The graffiti was later removed and the basketball courts reopened for play Wednesday morning, officials said.

“In my short term in office, I have repeatedly talked about ensuring that Westport is a community where everyone feels like they belong,” Tooker said in the statement.

“This incident runs completely contrary to that goal and is inexcusable.”

The first selectwoman added, “I am grateful to the Parks and Recreation Department employees and the Police Department for the swift action they took to address the situation professionally and respectfully.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Police Department at 203-341-6000.