TWO traders have went to war in the wake of Brexit as they used the front of their businesses to declare their political allegiance.

In protest of the leave campaign's victory, St Giles Cafe licence holder, Henrik Andersen, closed the cafe for the day.

Writing 'closed in protest of EU vote' and 'no EU, no cafe' across his front windows, the 38-year-old, originally from Denmark, said he was devastated about the decision.

He said: "My shop runs on positive energy, when you work with food that is just the philosophy.

"But because of today I just couldn't open.

"I said to my staff yesterday evening that we would close if we decided to vote out of the EU, but I had hoped that by saying it, it would mean we wouldn't have to because people would have voted to stay."

Mr Andersen re-opened today and said: "I still have to survive.

"But I have only been here seven months and it is seriously making me question whether I should pack up and go.

"It really is a sad day."

But Neil Taylor, owner of the shop next door, St Giles News, thought he would express his delight about the country leaving the EU.

Mr Taylor, who has owned the newsagents for 14 years, said: "Henrik came in this morning, not a happy bunny.

"He stormed out and asked me to pick up his delivery because he was closing the shop for the day.

"I went out and saw all the writing scrawled across his shop front and I thought, in jest, why not put a sign up which celebrates this decision."

Mr Taylor said he wasn't surprised that David Cameron decided to resign, calling his position "untenable".

He added: "I think overall it is the right decision for the UK.

"The thought of Boris as Prime Minister though is not, I don't think going to be a good idea.

"I think we need a period of stability and then we should embrace and make the best out of the decision which has been made."

The opposing signs caused a stir as crowds gathered around the shops to take pictures.

Literature student, Isabel Corfe, said she thought Mr Andersen's public protest was "brilliant".

She said: "I think it is fantastic. I'm visiting from Ireland as I'm a student in Galloway.

"But because of the decision I don't know whether I'm going to have to apply for an Irish passport or, because my Mum's German, get a German passport.

"I never thought this was going to happen."

Claire Savina was visiting the city from France for a job interview.

As she snapped pictures of the opposing signs, she said the UK would not be able to come back to them with their tails between their legs.

The 32-year-old said: "I think it is really bad, economically, socially and ideologically.

"And now there are going to be long term consequences and when you need help again the EU won't be willing to help you."