IT WAS virtually impossible prior to the European Union referendum to predict what some of the consequences may be if the Vote Leave campaign was victorious.

The immediate, dramatic fallout saw the Prime Minister announce his resignation and pressure mount on the Labour leader to step down.

Of course, it is going to be some time before the full impact on Britain – negative or positive – can be properly and fully assessed.

But one immediate result that has shocked every right-minded citizen is the increase in racial abuse directed at Eastern Europeans already living in our community.

Hard-working, peaceful, family people, who in many cases settled in this country years ago, have suddenly found themselves the target of disgusting, verbal attacks.

What has happened to our society?

The result of the vote on June 23 cannot be allowed to give any credibility to racist bigots.

There is no place for people like that in our diverse, multi-cultural town.

Our church and community leaders are right to publicly condemn the abhorrent behaviour, which fortunately is restricted to a mindless minority.

We would urge people who do suffer racist abuse to report it to the police.

And let's hope the perpetrators are found and action taken.