POLICE have launched an inquiry after officers put up a poster urging the public to boycott businesses run by travellers.

Hampshire Constabulary is investigating a complaint about the poster that appeared in Marchwood after an unauthorised camp was set up on a recreation ground in the village on May 18.

The poster was put up by a neighbourhood policing team amid fears that trouble could break out.

It advises the public to not take the law into their own hands and to avoid using any services offered by the travellers.

Hampshire Police said a complaint to the Chief Constable - understood to include an allegation of racism - was being dealt with by its professional standards department.

The travellers have since left the site, known locally as Cork Field.

The poster said: "As you may be aware groups of travellers have chosen to settle on land close to your residential area.

"Police are aware of this and that their [the travellers] presence may cause you concern.

"You are strongly advised not to take any action yourself against the travellers by taking the law into your own hands as you could run the risk of being in breach of the law yourself.

"What you can do is refuse to buy products or services from doorstep traders including tarmacing, tree lopping or general building work.

"We would ask you to remain calm and avoid any conflict with the travellers."

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said:  "The letter received by the Chief Constable has been passed to our Professional Standards Department who will consider the complaint in due course as we do with all complaints received from members of the public.

"We are unable to comment on complaints until they have been properly considered".