A SHOPKEEPER who was forced to remove a T-shirt from his window because police believed it could incite racial hatred took his first orders for them yesterday.

Matthew Taylor, 35, who owns Taylor’s printing, shoe repair and key-cutting shop in Emlyn Walk, Newport, printed a T-shirt with the slogan “Obey our laws, respect our beliefs or get out of our country” following the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week.

But he was forced to remove it by police, who threatened to arrest him under the Public Order Act if he didn’t remove it, following a complaint from a member of the public.

The story in yesterday’s Argus generated many comments on our website, with a mixed response from those both supporting and condemning Mr Taylor’s actions.

But the trader says customers are backing him and two people have already put orders in for the T-shirts.

Several more who commented on the Argus website also suggested they would buy one.

Mr Taylor said only one woman he had spoken to said she believed some people may find the T-shirt offensive.

He said: “I’ve had a largely positive reception.

“I am not allowed to display it but I am allowed to sell them and they are on special offer at the moment for £7.

“I’ve had two people who have placed orders for them.

I didn’t expect to sell any but there’s orders coming in.

“I feel quite offended being accused of being a racist. It’s not about race or religion, it’s about what’s happening in our country.”