A group of church leaders in Beaconsfield have come together to deplore the “wave of hatred” against “those from Eastern Europe” across the country following the EU referendum result last week.

Churches Together in Beaconsfield, chaired by Revd Dr Jeremy Brooks, say there is “no place for hatred of any form and such racist attacks have no place in our land.”

Their statement follows national reports that more than a hundred incidents of hate crime and racial abuse have been reported since the majority of UK residents voted to leave the European Union on June 23.

It says: “The United Kingdom has always been an open and diverse nation where those from other lands are welcomed. We particularly deplore the wave of hatred that has been expressed in the days since the results were known against those from Eastern Europe. 

“We the leaders of all the churches in Beaconsfield are united in praying for the future of our nation following the results in last week’s referendum. 

“Whilst people in our congregations will have voted in opposing ways, we are all united in seeking the welfare of all, seeking peace and reconciliation.”

The statement has been signed by Hilary Burton, from Beaconsfield Free Methodist Church, Jane Edmonds, from Jordans Quaker Meeting House, Revd Nigel Douglas, Minister at Aylesbury End United Reformed Church and Holtspur United Reformed Church, Father Francis Higgins from St Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church, Revd Narinder Tegally, of St Thomas’ Holtspur, Revd Camilla Walton from St Michael & All Angels, Beaconsfield & Area Dean, Amersham Deanery and Tom Williams, Pastor at Hope Church Beaconsfield.

The leaders have said the months ahead “could be very difficult for many people” as a result of the referendum outcome.

They said: “We shall continue to pray for the good of our country and the countries of Europe, and work to ensure that end.”