THE Polish community in Hereford feel scared and intimidated after the Brexit result, according to one shop owner.

Adam Ibrahin, owner of Eign Gate store Zabka, has received flowers from some Herefordians in an “emotional apology” for the outcome of the referendum.

However he says racial attacks elsewhere in the country and in Herefordshire have stoked fears within the Eastern European community.

He said: “Customers and staff keep asking what is going to happen and I don’t have the answers.

“They feel scared and intimidated by the result after we have heard about racial attacks in London towards Polish people.

“They don’t know whether these attacks will come up here or not.”

Mr Ibrahin’s concerns were realised last Friday after a racial attack linked to the referendum happened in Leominster.

Councillors Felicity Norman, Deanne Evans and Clive Thomas released a joint statement expressing their disappointment and worry to hear that “people of a different culture or colour were racially abused and told to ‘go home’.”

“Leominster is normally a friendly and welcoming place, and we are sure that the majority of our residents will deplore this behaviour as much as we do,” the statement read.

“Having campaigned together before the referendum, we will continue to do so to ensure that racially abusive, criminal behaviour is dealt with by the law, and that Leominster continues to be a pleasant place to live and work in and where all visitors are welcome.”

Mr Ibrahin says that he and his staff have been heartened by the response of Hereford’s residents.

He added: “Most local residents have come here to say sorry and a couple have brought flowers.

“They say how disgusted they are at the people who voted out.”