An episode of TV programme The Basil Brush Show is being investigated after police received a complaint of racism.
A member of the public reported a scene which showed a Gypsy woman trying to sell Basil Brush heather and pegs.
The episode of the children's puppet programme was a repeat and was broadcast on digital channel CBBC.
Northamptonshire police confirmed they had received a complaint about a TV show featuring Basil Brush from a member of the public in February.
"The complaint was logged as an incident of a racist nature and our Hate Crimes Unit is investigating," a Northamptonshire Police spokesman said.
'Upsetting and distressing'
Bridie Jones, of the England Romany, Gypsy and Irish Traveller Network, accuses the UK media of double standards when it comes to racism.
"I find it very upsetting and distressing that in this day-and-age the media will use a puppet to get their own negative views and opinions across of a group that is struggling to survive," Mrs Jones told the BBC.
"They are not allowed to joke about blacks or Asians any more because they would be taken to court, but when it comes to Gypsies or the Irish travelling community they mock us - and to them it's not racist.
"We are the last group of people in this country who you can openly mock and make racist jokes about - who else is there?"
The BBC has refused to comment.
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