Calls to remove vandalised Donald Trump star from Hollywood Walk of Fame

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to be removed after it was repeatedly targeted by vandals.

The landmark honouring the American billionaire has been daubed with a swastika, a mute symbol and even dog excrement during his controversial campaign to become the next US president.

Mr Trump, who is the front-runner to secure the Republican nomination, has been criticised for calling for a ban on Muslims entering the US and claiming women should face "some sort of punishment" for having abortions if the procedure is outlawed.

The petition, which has attracted more than 15,000 signatures, claims Mr Trump's star is an "insult" and the acts of vandalism showed "the public's disdain" towards the monument.

"It's clear that the community does not think he deserves to be represented there," a statement on the Care2 Petitions website said.

"The fact that Donald Trump has a star along with the likes of Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Audrey Hepburn is an insult in and of itself.

"Trump's despicable messaging represents all the worst parts of our national conversation, which explains the public's disdain for this historical monument to him.

"The message is clear: the public does not approve of Trump or the fact that he has a Hollywood star."

The campaign comes after more than half a million people signed a petition in January calling for Mr Trump to be banned from entering the UK.

It followed the former Apprentice star's comments on Muslims and his claims that parts of London were ''so radicalised'' that police were ''afraid for their own lives''.

Leron Gubler, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said there were no plans to remove the star dedicated to Mr Trump, who received the honour in 2007.

"The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a registered historic landmark," he said.

"Once a star has been added to the Walk, it is considered a part of the historic fabric of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"Because of this, we have never removed a star from the Walk."