Stickers posted by a radical feminist around the University of East Anglia (UEA) have been labelled as transphobic by students.

The stickers, which displayed messages such as 'female is not a feeling', were found attached to objects around the Earlham Road campus this month.

The UEA students' union said the messages portray 'abhorrent transphobia'.

Norfolk police confirmed it was investigating the incident, while the UEA said staff would provide support and advice to anyone affected by the notes.

The person responsible for the stickers is believed to be a blogger who has been contacted for comment.

A UEA students' union spokesman said: 'To suggest that these stickers are any other than transphobic statements is to give a platform to hateful messages which aim to other and discriminate against members of the UEA community.

'Hateful stickers stuck to lamppost and posters are not the start of a debate they are simply that – hateful messages.'

The union said it also condemned the 'anti-sex worker sentiment' portrayed in some of the stickers.

It added: 'The people carrying out these actions are wilful in their failure to distinguish between individuals who choose to and those who are forced to participate in this type of work – frankly this is disrespectful and anti-feminist.'

Liam Deary, student union LGBT+ officer open place, said: 'Everyone should feel safe and welcome on our campus and in our community.

'The actions of those placing stickers around Norwich and campus aim to do the opposite of that by spreading a message of non-acceptance and othering.

'We have a zero tolerance approach to transphobic language and behaviours under out Never OK campaign which is supported by UEA and makes clear our commitment to tackle abuse, hate, harassment or violence.'

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the UEA said: 'UEA is a place where everyone should feel welcome and we will continue to work closely with students and the students' Union to ensure that students and staff are not subject to any form of discrimination or harassment.

'We encourage all members of the UEA community to report any incidents that they experience or witness so that appropriate action can be taken. In addition, our staff in Student Services are ready to provide support and advice to anyone who has been affected by these posters.'