THE mood among many of Bournemouth’s non-British European Union citizens was one of disbelief yesterday - disbelief tinged with a feeling of being “let down”.

One Romanian worker, who asked not to be named, told the Daily Echo: “This feels like Britain has kicked us all in the teeth. We didn’t think this would happen here.”

Many of the town’s non-British EU residents, who operate businesses and work locally, have been left wondering what the future holds. Many of them declined to comment or only spoke to the Echo on condition they were not named.

Polish student Andrzej Dubanowski said: “I think some people may be a little scared of speaking out and becoming targets. Not of physical attack, more of just drawing attention to themselves.

“This will affect lots of people here and in Poland. I’ve spoken to friends back home in Poland this morning and they say they are shocked. Shocked and maybe a bit angry as well. Futures are now uncertain.”

Meanwhile, French national Eva Fabron said she believed Britain had made a huge mistake opting to leave the European Union.

“The world feels a little more isolated today. The European Union has evolved over the decades, and maybe it was going through harder times. I’m sorry to say this, but from the outside this looks like a step backwards for Britain.”