Australian police release images of suspect who vandalised Hindu temple

New South Wales (NSW) police said they are hoping the release of images will generate help from the public.

Officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command were called to the building on Eleanor Street about 9am on Friday 5 May 2023, after paint was found sprayed outside.

"Subsequent inquiries revealed the incident occurred between 1am and 2am early Friday morning," read the police statement.

Following inquiries, detectives have released an image of a vehicle last seen travelling on Virginia Street toward James Ruse Drive, Rosehill, in the early hours of Friday morning.

They believe the occupants of the vehicle may have information which could assist investigators, or even possibly dashcam vision.

A second image is of a person recorded as being in the vicinity of the temple about the same time.

The person depicted is dressed in dark clothing, wearing a dark beanie and a face mask.

It’s not known if the person depicted has any connection with the vehicle depicted in the other image.

Cumberland Commander, Superintendent Sheridan Waldau, said she hoped the community may have information which could help investigators identify the person or the car.

“We are also hopeful that the person, or the occupants of the car, will contact detectives as we believe they could have information crucial to the investigation,” Supt Waldau said.

“NSW Police works closely with members of a widely-diverse community in western Sydney, and it’s disappointing that actions such as these can cause unnecessary distress.

“Police rely on the support of the local community to provide information so it can be investigated, but it’s important to know that information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence,” she said.