A hate crime is being investigated after an offensive Brexit-related leaflet was delivered to the headquarters of a Polish-language UK regional newspaper.

Nottinghamshire Police has launched an investigation after the leaflet was set to ‘East Midlands po Polsku’, which serves the region’s Polish community.

The leaflet features a copy of an original cartoon depicting Home Secretary Sajid Javid with the words: ‘Migrants: Our Country Needs You To Stay Away’.

The words “Brexit Means Brexit” and an offensive message saying “Just Get Out Of England” were added underneath.

The cartoon of Sajid Javid sent to a Polish-speaking newspaper

Editor Beata Polanowska told the Nottingham Post: “We are a respected local newspaper for the Polish community. I couldn’t believe I was holding a hate note in my hand.

“I had mixed feelings – I was upset, and frightened, but also resilient. We shouldn’t pretend that it didn’t happen, and it was important that we did something and reported it.”

She added: “I came here in the 90s, and feel that Nottingham is my home. However, there are moments when I think I should go back to Poland.

“When I meet someone who is going back, it makes me think a bit. It has happened quite a bit since the referendum, and it’s a difficult moment – I feel quite torn.

“We were aware of the fact that Brexit could bring some racial tensions. But I hadn’t experienced it myself, which is why it shook me.”

The paper is published by The Signpost To Polish Success, a non-profit organisation based in Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed to the Post it had received a report about the letter being received. A spokesman added: “It is being treated as a hate incident and is being investigated.”

‘East Midlands po Polsku’ serves the region’s Polish community