Police investigate racist and anti-refugee stickers plastered around South Shields

Patrols have been stepped up the in the affected areas amid activity by neo-Nazis

South Shields, where the stickers have been appearing (Roger Cornfoot/Creative Commons)

An investigation has been launched after a string of “disgusting” racist stickers promoting notorious neo-Nazi groups were stuck on public property in South Shields.

The stickers, many of which have now been removed by the authorities, depicted the logos of the North West Infidels and Combat 18, both of which are committed to white supremacy.

Many of the stickers portrayed anti-refugee messages and fascist iconography, and warned that the groups “operated” in the vicinity.

Police have now stepped up patrols in the affected areas to carry out enquiries and reassure concerned members of public. There have not yet been any arrests.

“Seen the ‘rape-fugees’ one and the swastika sign one kicking about Shields,” said Twitter user Byron Brown. “It's bloody disgusting.”

An unnamed 29-year-old told the Shields Gazette: “We have a brand new digital centre opening up next month which will hopefully attract lots of visitors, not just from our area, but further afield.

“Imagine if people end up seeing stickers like these?

“It’s embarrassing to think visitors might believe we approve of such behaviour like this in South Shields. Well we don’t, it’s a multicultural town and there’s no room for racism and hatred here.”

The local authority has condemned the posting of the offensive stickers. Councillor Moira Smith told the newspaper she was "extremely concerned" by them.

South Shields Neighbourhood Inspector John Smith said: “This type of literature will not be tolerated in South Shields and anyone caught posting them should expect to be put before the court.

“This material has been removed and anyone who has any information relating to the posters should contact the South Shields Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”