Fascist demonstrators burn rainbow flag at Newcastle demonstration
Nine people were arrested during neo-Nazi demonstrations in Newcastle, during which rainbow flags were burnt and racist speeches were made.
The ‘White Man March’ was held on Saturday at the Quayside in Newcastle.
The event was organised by National Action, which has an openly racist agenda.
As well as chanting “Hitler was right”, demonstrators burnt the rainbow flag during the event which lasted around two hours.
Around a hundred demonstrators turned up, with around the same number turning up for a counter demonstration by Newcastle Unite, an anti-fascist group, nearby.
Nine people were arrested for public order offences, including inciting racial hatred.
Assistant Chief Constable Winton Keenen said: “The majority of people attending this event did so peacefully. However, there were a number whose behaviour was unacceptable resulting in nine people being arrested.
“We simply will not tolerate people engaging in behaviour that could negatively impact on our communities and will take positive action against those who do.
“We have an excellent relationship with our vast and diverse communities with great community cohesion, not just in Newcastle but across the force area.
“I’d like to thank the local community and businesses for their cooperation during the events.”
