"DISGUSTING" leaflets spewing racist content have been posted through letterboxes in Southend sparking outrage.

The leaflet, posted to a number of homes in Southend, claims there are dozens of “illegal migrants staying at the Park Inn Hotel in Southend”.

Refugees, who fled their home country after the Taliban swept back into power, had been housed in the hotel on Church Road, in September 2021.

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But this year it was understood they would be moved on after the government was expected to axe the hotel housing.

Residents contacted the Echo, which has decided not to repeat the content, to express their shock after receiving the leaflet.

One resident, who wishes not to be named, said: “I returned home Saturday afternoon to find this rubbish in my letter box.

“I was shocked to say the least.

“It is disgusting to think people could be so full of hate.

“It made me feel worried for those poor people. I am concerned that we are falling back into the mentality that caused the majority of the tragedies of the 20th century.”

Southend Council also expressed their disappointment at the act.

David Garston, councillor responsible for housing and planning, said: “The city of Southend is proud to have a history of being an inclusive and caring place, and it is disappointing to be told of these leaflets containing such a negative and hateful message being spread here.

“Southend welcomed refugees fleeing conflict in 2021 and they have now started to create a life for themselves in our city; the children have been attending local schools and colleges, and some adults have secured employment.

“As for the claims on the flyer, the council has not had any indication of potential new arrivals to the Park Inn by Radisson Palace because this is a Home Office matter, and they would deal directly with providers about this.”

In response to the claims of the Park Inn Hotel, in Southend, a spokesman for the Home Office said they unable to comment on individual sites.

They said: “We have been clear that the use of hotels to house asylum seekers is unacceptable – there are currently more than 51,000 asylum seekers in hotels costing the UK taxpayer £6 million a day.

“We engage with local authorities as early as possible whenever sites are used for asylum accommodation and work to ensure arrangements are safe for hotel residents and local people.  

“We are working closely to listen to the local communities’ views and reduce the impact of sites, including through providing onsite security and financial support.”