'Vile' posters peddling transphobic and homophobic messages have highlighted the need for Pride.

A police investigation has been launched after posters describing homosexuality as a 'mental disorder' and a 'disease on society' popped up around Macclesfield.

Kyle Frost, a trustee of MaccPride, says such words have 'no place' in the community and feels the posters have demonstrated why events such as Pride continue to be so important.

He said: "I am born-and-bred Macclesfield, and this has made me feel really uncomfortable, especially as you don't know who is behind them.

"I feel sickened and deeply saddened to see this kind of hatred being posted around our town.

"This is vile, shameful and completely unacceptable."

Kyle continued: "Let me be very clear; this kind of behaviour has no place in our community – not now, not ever.

"No one should feel unsafe or unwelcome for simply existing as who they are."

"This is the reason Pride is still needed."

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The posters have been torn down or covered up (Credit: Nub News)

There have been three reports of sightings of the posters in Exchange Street and nearby streets in the town centre over the past couple of days.

Kyle, owner of several town centre businesses, is now urging Macclesfield Town Council and Cheshire Police to do all they can to find those responsible.

He said: "I will be doing everything I can to make sure this is followed up properly.

"Organisations like the local council and the police, who are both very supportive of MaccPride, need to take this seriously, identify who's behind it, and ensure they are held accountable.

"This is not just offensive, this is hate speech and it is a criminal offence."

Police are investigating (Credit: Nub News)

Cheshire Police have obtained CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the offensive posters.

Officers are in the process of reviewing other CCTV opportunities and making enquiries in the area to find those responsible.

Inspector Richard Haque said: "We've already recovered a number of images and are reviewing CCTV with our Facial Recognition Team so I'd urge anyone involved, or who knows who is responsible to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via www.cheshire.police.uk.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.