DETECTIVES are appealing for information following the distribution of racist leaflets.

The leaflets, which have been distributed in Swanley since April, are in relation to a planning application submitted in respect of land in Park Lane, Swanley.

The application seeks a change of use for the land to allow two mobile homes and two touring caravans to be put on the site and has been made by a Hextable resident who is a member of the gypsy traveller community.

Since the application was made, A4 leaflets have appeared in plastic bags apparently randomly scattered across roads in Swanley village.

The leaflets urge people to object to the planning application and encourage racial hatred towards the gypsy community.

Inspector Dominic Kilbride, who is investigating, said: "The content of the leaflets is unacceptable because they are linking criminality and disorder to an identifiable group of people, therefore they are prejudicial and this is no basis for an appeal against a planning application.

"Gypsies have been defined as a racial group by the Race Relations Act 1976 and these leaflets are, in my view, inciting racial hatred, this is supported by the way they are distributed in an anonymous and underhand way.

"Someone is responsible for the creation and distribution of the leaflets or someone has seen them being scattered.

"If you have any information about this I would urge you to let us know."

Anyone with information can contact police on 01732 379350 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.