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A strike sparked by a manager's alleged racist comment to a post office worker has now spread to a neighbouring county.

On Wednesday, more than 50 workers set up a picket line at the Bootle and Seaforth delivery office on Trinity Industrial Estate in Sefton.

It followed claims that a female manager had asked a Muslim postie, "do you like women?".

The remark was badly received and the worker went home upset.

His colleagues took sudden industrial action which the ECHO understands is continuing into its third day in Bootle, who also cover the Seaforth and Litherland postcodes on Merseyside.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

This morning, we were informed that staff at the Warrington Royal Mail branch, in Cheshire, were walking out today to support pals in the racist remark row.

It was said that Warrington drivers who refused to cross the picket line were suspended by Royal Mail bosses.

As a result, other workers walked out in solidarity.

Sources said it could mean hundreds of staff being out on strike.

The ECHO has approached the Royal Mail for an updated comment.

The Muslim postie in Bootle was very upset by the incident, his pals said.

He is a very popular member of staff, they added.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Workers picketing outside the Bootle office repeatedly told the ECHO they had a "zero tolerance" stance to racism.

A spokesman for the Communication Workers Union said: "We are representing our member as we do in any situation like this."

Royal Mail bosses have slammed the strike, describing it as "unballoted."

In a previous comment, a spokesman said: "We are disappointed that unballoted industrial action is taking place today at Bootle and Seaforth delivery office.

"This covers the L20, L21 and L30 postcode areas.(Bootle, Seaforth and Litherland)

"We sincerely apologise to customers in these areas for any disruption to their mail services.

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"The customer service point is open as usual for customers to collect items for which we have left a 'Something for You' card.

“Mail collections from postboxes in the area may also be affected this afternoon so customers are advised to post mail outside of the area, drop mail off at any main Post Office branch or at the delivery office.

“Royal Mail is fully committed to resolving our colleagues' concerns in co-operation with the Communication Workers Union (CWU)."