Australia election: Peter Dutton's office vandalised before his attempt to become PM fails

Police have released CCTV footage of four masked individuals who damaged the electoral office of Peter Dutton, who was contending for the Liberal leadership in Australia.

The group is seen throwing objects at the glass windows of the office at Strathpine, north of Brisbane. Six windows and two glass doors were smashed.

Offensive graffiti in red and black paint has also been found on a footpath around 200 metres from the vandalised office. The graffiti bear messages such as “Bend over Aus, Dutton’s cumming” and “Deport Dutton”.

Police said it is believed no one accessed the office at the time it was damaged. Police have also appealed for witnesses.

The former home affairs minister’s office had already been targeted in March when a man and a woman threw a rock and paint at the front of the building.

Peter Dutton lost his leadership challenge for the Liberal Party on Friday after Scott Morrison was elected as new leader.