A “birthday party” to celebrate what would have been Adolf Hitler’s 136th birthday has led to a police raid in Southport.
British Movement North West posted pictures of themselves at the Duke of Edinburgh in Market Street, Royton, last month eating a swastika cake.
Nine people were arrested yesterday, Wednesday 9th May, during raids conducted by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of breaches of Section 18 of the Public Order Act.
The pub’s owners said that they had been tricked by the group and were not aware of the group’s intentions.
Greater Manchester Police executed warrants in Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport and Southport confirming that Nazi memorabilia, swords, imitation firearms and a suspected grenade had been seized.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker of Greater Manchester Police said: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today [Wednesday 7th May], we have liaised with colleagues at Counter Terrorism Police North West.
“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.