Right-wing activists today faced police action over a leaflet falsely claiming firearms were discovered in a city mosque.

Chief officers launched an inquiry into publication of the leaflet - which they believe was designed to stir up race hate.

The head of Bradford North Police, Chief Superintendent Phil Read, dismissed the claims as 'complete rubbish' and said they were designed to breed mistrust between the city's communities just months after they were rocked by devastating riots.

The double-sided leaflet, purporting to come from the Bradford branch of the British National Party (BNP), detailed how police had discovered guns and a firing range during a raid on a city mosque.

Today, Chief Supt Read said: "This leaflet is nothing more than absolute rubbish.

"Whoever sent this leaflet out is clearly trying to stir up tension."

Chief Supt Read said that legal experts were currently examining the document to assess whether those who published it could and would be prosecuted.

If it is proven to incite racial hatred, then its authors could face severe penalties, including prison sentences.

Speaking about the leaflet's claims, Chief Supt Read said: "These are totally untrue and, as a senior policeman, it is not in my interest to cover anything up.

"This is a nasty type of rumour to spread, particularly with the tensions that we have seen in recent months in the city."

And he said: "This is clearly designed to cause mistrust between communities.

"The police will not be used by anyone. They are here to impartially police the city and that it what they will do."

A national BNP spokesman said: "It is a question of who is correct and we stand by this one. Why shouldn't it be correct?"