Durham Regional Police are investigating after a racial slur was scratched into a car parked outside a grocery store in Oshawa on Wednesday night.

Police say a black woman and her son walked into a grocery store in the area of King Street East and Townline Road at around 7:15 p.m. and were inside the store for about 15 minutes.

When they returned to their vehicle, police say a racial slur was scratched into the passenger’s side door.

Police are asking anyone who was in the parking lot between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

Investigators say the car was parked in front of a store called Halenda’s Meats.

Members of the public can contact police with information about the case by calling 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1836.

Anonymous tips can also be provided through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).