Police have opened an investigation into antisemitic leaflets stuck to lampposts in Liverpool city centre, calling the incident “a hate crime”.

The stickers, supporting the far-right National Action group, were reported by a Jewish resident in Liverpool.

Similar leaflets including swastikas, a Nazi salute and the phrase “No Tolerance” have also been seen in Aberystwyth, Glasgow, Hull and Cardiff since May.

The stickers, displayed near Childwall Hebrew Congregation and King David High School, were also reported to the Community Security Trust.

A police spokesman said: “The leaflets have been seized and retained. Neighbourhood officers are in contact with the local community and inquiries are continuing to trace the offender.”

Steve Rice, a police inspector on the neighbourhood team, added: “This is clearly unacceptable and offensive to our community. We are conducting enquiries in the area and will ensure that this is investigated thoroughly.”

Mark Gardner, communications director for CST, said he was “grateful” that police had been made aware of the crime.

“National Action is an especially ugly group, and it is important that such things are reported to the relevant authorities,” he added.