POLICE have launched an investigation after a flag containing “offensive wording” was flown outside a property in west Dorset.

Officers were called to Beaminster and asked for the flag to be taken down.

A resident said: “Someone was flying a Union Jack with the words ‘freedom from parasites’ written on it.

“The police came and told them to take it down. It’s important for people to remain calm after the Brexit vote.”

A spokeswoman from Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police were called on Wednesday, June 29 to reports of a Union Jack flag containing offensive wording outside an address in Gerrards Green in Beaminster.

“An investigation is underway.”