Last month a group of neo-Nazis celebrated what would have been Adolf Hitler’s birthday with a swastika cake, leading to a number of raids in the north west by Greater Manchester Police
A group of neo-Nazis were caught celebrating the birthday of Adolf Hitler in a pub before police carried out a number of dawn raids this morning.
Police executed search warrants in Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, Urmston, Southport and Merseyside, following investigations. Officers discovered an imitation AK47 rifle, a suspected grenade, a crossbow, a series of fake handguns as well as a number of swords, one decorated with a swastika. Police also found a ”Zyklon’ gas canister, which was used by the Nazis in the mass killing of Jews in the Second World War.
Greater Manchester Police said the gas canister was not viable and the grenade was found to be safe, according to bomb disposal officers from the Army.
A spokesman for GMP confirmed that nine people, aged from their 20s to their 60s, were arrested on suspicion of a section 18 public order offence, which prohibits ‘threatening, abusive or insulting’ displays of written material intended to stir up racial hatred.
The police operation follows a Manchester Evening News exposé of north west members of the fringe far-right extremist group British Movement who pulled out racist flags and a cake decorated with a swastika at the Duke of Edinburgh, in Royton , on Saturday April 19.
Pub staff said they had been unaware of the group’s activities, and reported the matter to police. Video footage from the gathering at the pub in Royton showed men holding a flag emblazoned with a swastika, SS bolts and the Iron Cross as they pose in photos with several other men, one of whom is holding up a British Movement flag.
The footage shows the men unfurling the flags to pose for pictures before quickly hiding them away. A post on the group’s Telegram feed read: “On a gorgeous sunny afternoon in Greater Manchester, a platoon of Northwest British Movement met up to celebrate the 136th Birthday of Uncle A.”
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker of Greater Manchester Police said: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP led investigation.
“It’s important 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.
“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.
“Public safety is at the forefront of our investigation, and as always, we ask you remain vigilant, and if you have any information or concerns, then to contact us.”