EUROPEANS living in Oxford have urged Brits to vote to stay in the EU as they expressed frustrations about the debate on immigration.

They said they loved living and working in the UK but were concerned by the "tone" the campaigns had taken in the days running up to Thursday's referendum.

It came as a poll of Oxford Mail readers put 'remain' ahead by seven points at 50 per cent, with 'leave' behind at 43 per cent.

But Florence Rossignol, a French teacher who has lived in Oxford for more than 10 years, said she and other friends from the continent were "dumbfounded" many people did not seem concerned by warnings about the economic turmoil Brexit could cause.

The mother-of-two, who can vote due to her dual nationality in Canada, added: "I am disappointed by the lack of positive arguments to stay in the EU.

"There has been plenty of talk of risks and pragmatic economic reasons, but not much about the historic reasons or sense of belonging to the European community.

"We fought world wars together. And we share the same democratic values.

"Everyone I have spoken to also is dumbfounded to see that, despite a large majority of financial institutions, world leaders, political party leaders, governments, actors and even footballers saying they favour remain, people seem unwilling to listen."

Ms Rossignol, 41, added: "It seems that people also want to have a debate about immigration, but that is a different debate altogether from the EU.

"The tone has, for the first time in 10 years, made me feel like a foreigner."

Italian communications officer Giulia Biasibetti, from Grandpont, said: "I would be very sad if Britain left the EU.

"I love living here because, coming from Italy nine years ago, when I arrived I found it full of diversity and tolerant, on things like gay and civil rights, corruption is tackled here at every level."

Greek business owner Xenia Raptopoulou, 43, said she did not think Britain would quit the EU, but added: "It would be very sad, because I think Britain has made a major contribution to the EU.

"I moved here four years ago and I have found it a very good place to do business, it is a very pleasant and welcoming place."

But Pawel Blachut, 35, owner of the Polish food shops Polski Sklep ?ubr in Oxford and Abingdon, said he could understand concerns about immigration.

The father-of-one, who lives in Greater Leys, said: "From a business point of view I think staying in is good for free trade and freedom of movement.

"I agree immigration should be controlled, but more than half does not come from the EU.

"They need to sort out the benefit system, which I think is attracting too many people, but leaving the EU would not really help."