Police have now launched an investigation after a councillor who uncovered a stockpile of potentially offensive anti-littering leaflets was sent hate mail.

Coun John Robertshaw (Con, Bowling and Barkerend) says he received “vile” emails from around the world after he exposed a blunder involving around 16,000 anti-littering leaflets aimed specifically at Muslims had to be scrapped by Bradford Council.

The full-colour, glossy flyers were printed six months ago but were never distributed after a senior council manager spotted the potential to offend.

Now police have confirmed they are are investigating after Coun Robertshaw received hate mail after the story appeared in the T&A.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police described the emails as “derogatory in nature”.

He added: “An officer has been assigned to help verify their origin and establish any offences committed.

“The Neighbourhood Policing Team is monitoring the situation and will take action where appropriate.”

Coun Robertshaw said he hoped those responsible for the emails were “brought to book.”

He said: “It’s sad people want to spend their time doing this sort of thing. In many respects these people are very ignorant about what we are doing in Bradford.

“I want the law to do what they have to do. The fact I have spoken out on an issue that affects Muslims, and I am a white man, it’s clear it is race hate. The content is disgraceful.

“I don’t regret anything I have done and I am not going to be intimidated.”

Coun Robertshaw said two questions would be asked at next week’s meeting of the full council about the issue.

An invoice detailing how much the leaflets cost will be requested, he said. The Council will also be asked for details about how the leaflets came to be produced.

A spokesman for the Council has previously said the leaflet was issued by a junior officer, and Council leader Ian Greenwood said the production cost about £350.