‘Happy Brexit Day’ sign at Norwich flats said foreign tongues would not be tolerated

This article is more than 7 months old

This article is more than 7 months old

The distribution of “Brexit day” posters that warned residents of a block of flats to speak only English is being investigated as a racially aggravated incident, police have said.

The printed posters, with the title “Happy Brexit Day”, were stuck to doors on all 15 floors of Winchester Tower in Norwich on Friday morning, the day the UK formally left the European Union.

Addressing residents, it said the “Queens [sic] English is the spoken tongue here” and hailed the moment “we finally get our great country back”.

It said those unwilling to speak English should leave the UK. The text read: “You won’t have long till our government will implement rules that will put British first. So, best evolve or leave. God Save the Queen, her government and all true patriots.”

Norfolk police said all the posters had been removed and were being examined for forensic evidence. Officers were working with the council to examine any CCTV footage of the block.

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A spokeswoman added: “There is no place in society for hatred and intolerance. Nobody should have to face intimidation because of who they are and it is more important than ever that we stand together in the face of hostility. We remain committed to helping people feel safe and secure as they go about their lives.

“The matter is being dealt with as a racially aggravated public order incident.”

Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Norwich city council said: “You may have seen a photo of a poster that has appeared in one of our properties.

“Norwich has a proud history of being a welcoming city, and we will not tolerate this behaviour. As soon as we became aware of this incident, we reported it to Norfolk police and they are investigating.

“We take this very seriously and encourage residents to contact us or the police if they have any concerns.”

Residents said the signs were left on fire doors across all 15 floors of the block of flats before being removed by the caretaker.

Mike Stonard, a cabinet member on Norwich council, told the Eastern Daily Press: “I absolutely condemn this abhorrent poster. Whoever put it there has committed a hate crime, it is as simple as that.

“Many people voted for Brexit for a range of different reasons. However, I am sure not many of them will condone this kind of thing.”