Debate and anger has been sparked after a new Crossrail train was pictured sporting new - and unintended - decorations.

The Thameslink stock train, pictured in the photo near Abbey Wood Station, was vandalised with a bright green and purple expletive, as almost an entire carriage was covered with the word "F***."

After someone posted the photo on Facebook, some people denounced the graffiti as "mindless, selfish vandalism."

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(A pixellated version of the picture Photo credit: Ali Kirkusu)

Labour Councillor for Thamesmead East, Danny Hackett, tweeted the photo with the caption: "Absolutely fuming."

He added he hoped the person or people responsible for the artwork had been arrested.

However, some have praised the detail of the graffiti despite its taboo content. One Facebook user suggested Bexley Council should consider offering graffiti artists a designated space for spray painting, to encourage them to practise their artwork in an appropriate place.