ASIANS voting BNP have been warned by anti-racism organisations on the possible consequences of their actions.

Research by opinion pollsters Mori found evidence that Asian voters in Barking and Dagenham had voted for the far-right party in recent elections.

Researcher Ben Page said: "We polled a number of people regarding their voting patterns and a number from the asian community said they voted BNP."

Organisations from the Thurrock area are concerned that this could be repeated in the borough.

Manager of Thurrock anti-racism organisation TRUST, Ruth Juett said: "I'm not surprised. People from second or third generations may feel threatened by the new influx of immigrants."

"But we would warn people not to be drawn in or fooled."

But Thurrock Asian groups have played this down.

Chairman of Thurrock Asian Association, Yash Gupta said: "Barking and Dagenham, with no Tory opposition, is different to Thurrock.

"I haven't met any Asians in the borough who would consider voting for the BNP."

Conservative Cabinet Holder for Culture and Diversity, Gareth Davies said: "Without an equivalent poll in Thurrock it wouldn't be appropriate to comment."

Chairman of the Labour Group, Carl Morris said: "In my experience Asian voters in Thurrock are based in the mainstream of British politics."

In the last round of council elections in May, BNP gained 7,149 votes, just under 25% of the votes cast, and had candidates standing in every ward. However, they failed to win a seat.

The BNP's east of England spokesperson Emma Colgate, who has stood for election inthe borough herself, has previously said: "We have no argument with second and third generation Asian families who have worked very hard, up to 16 hours a day, in this country."