The owners of a popular butcher in Beeston are facing losses after vandals targeted the shop.
Matthew Whittle, one half of the team at Meat 4 U located just off The Square in Beeston, arrived at work for another day of business on Wednesday morning (May 13) to find the shop front covered in explicit spray paint.
He said he couldn't put into words how he felt, but added, "put it this way, I wasn't very happy".
Both he and business partner, Nicholas Henshaw have been opening the longstanding butcher's shop six days a week through lockdown.
"Just the same as everyone else, we are trying to make a living," Mr Whittle added.
"I've got a family at home who haven't left the house much in six weeks, and I have to disinfect myself when I leave work.
"We're not able to open today and will probably lose a few days' trade - around £2,000.
"I don't even know about the cost of the damage."
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As well as the spray paint, which covered most areas of the shop's frontage and used phrases like 'Kill butchers' and 'murderer', the main window was smashed, the canopy torn and glue put into the locks.
"We had to break in through the back this morning," Mr Whittle said.
"It's taken some elbow grease but we've managed to get the paint off. I have no idea about the window. I dread to think.
"We're right off the main road, I can't believe no one saw - it must have taken some time to do."
Mr Whittle said he has been analysing his CCTV footage which shows the incident happened around 9.48pm on Tuesday night, and can make out three figures.
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Another local trader in Beeston, who did not wish to be named, said the incident was "the last thing any business needs".
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He added: "Small traders are working harder than ever right now, particularly in food and retail, to keep the community fed.
"It feels the vandals have taken advantage knowing there aren't many people around.
"I know all businesses are very grateful for the community support so far and I'm sure they will all pull together to help Meat 4 U get back on its feet."
A spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "We're investigating an incident of criminal damage at a shop in Beeston.
"We received a call just before 6am this morning (Wednesday 12 May 2020) that Meat 4 U in High Road had been vandalised.
"It's believed to have happened overnight. Windows have been smashed, blinds slashed and spray paint has been used on the shop front.
"Officers have begun enquiries and are appealing to anyone with any information that could help to contact us on 101 quoting incident 78 of 13 May, you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."