Latest news with #NaziMemorabilia
BBC News
15-05-2025
- BBC News
Sacked Nottinghamshire PC jailed over "treasure trove" of weapons
A former policeman has been jailed for almost six years after counter-terrorism officers seized a haul of Nazi memorabilia and more than 100 Campbell admitted possessing three illegal guns and a silencer that matched bullets found in searches at his home and a lock-up in denied sending grossly offences messages about kidnapping and mutilating a woman he met through a different job. Detectives say Campbell was a 'dangerous extremist', who changed his name after being sacked from the Nottinghamshire force in 2017. Campbell was arrested by officers from Counter Terrorism East Midlands who searched his property at Nottingham Road in Toton in January Insp Christopher Brett, who led the investigation, said they found a "treasure trove" of knives, knuckle-dusters, extendable batons, and lethal home-made Brett said they also seized boxes from a rented lock-up, containing weapons along with Swastikas and "disturbing" Nazi literature and memorabilia."We see the building blocks of someone who could well be a future risk to society", he added. Nottingham Crown Court heard that Campbell had many more firearms that could be considered prosecution said he used a "loophole" for guns that can also fire paintballs, and only admitted charges over weapons where illegal ammunition had been recovered pointed home-made steel and resin bullets, and Campbell also owned moulds for making the court heard he was interested "not only in their power but in their capacity to injure". Videos were recovered showing Campbell testing modified firearms by shooting into boxes and buckets stuffed with towels, the court heard. Campbell's devices contained a photo of a gun alongside a message from him saying Pro-Palestine demonstrators "need some of this".In another message, he insulted Muslim people and wrote "knock knock, bang bang".He also sent messages about owning potentially deadly firearms, saying "the government would rather you got stabbed in a home invasion". Campbell first made headlines after being dismissed from Nottinghamshire Police in April 2017, when he was known as Graeme Thornhill.A gross misconduct hearing found he used excessive and disproportionate force against an erratic driver who was taking his young son to Thornhill sprayed the father's face with CS gas and struck him with a baton but denied it was a racially-motivated attack. On Thursday, Campbell denied further charges of possessing flick or gravity knives, and sending two grossly offensive messages.A previous court hearing was told Campbell sent two WhatsApp posts about how he would kidnap, starve and mutilate a woman he will appear before magistrates to face those charges at a later date. Campbell, 42, denied two further offences of possessing documents useful to a terrorist. Those charges relate to manuals for making lethal weapons at prosecution agreed not to proceed with those terrorism offences, but Det Insp Brett says he posed a "really significant danger"."Ultimately my teams and I are focussed on making sure we stop future terrorist attacks," he said."The people who move towards those attacks and complete them have trodden very similar pathways in the past so it's really important to take people off the streets before they get to that point". In mitigation, Jonathan Duffy KC said Campbell no longer held these extremist views and was "ashamed".He said Campbell was a collector with a special interest in weapons and was Campbell to five years and 10 months in prison, Judge Nirmal Shant KC said his white supremacist views were "abhorrent".But she added he was legally entitled to hold those views and they were not reflected in the sentencing. Det Insp Brett says the fact Campbell used to be a police officer was also a serious concern."It is really challenging to those of us who are police officers. Rightfully we are held and hold ourselves to a high standard," he said."So there is part of me that is glad to be able to make sure we can address these individuals who have stepped away from that and brought disrespect to our profession as well."But also it is about that core mission of making sure we are protecting people in the future".
BBC News
09-05-2025
- BBC News
Nine people bailed after 'Hitler birthday party' held in pub
A group of people arrested after they were accused of celebrating Adolf Hitler's birthday with a swastika-themed cake in a pub have been released on bail, police have nine people were arrested as Nazi memorabilia and weapons including swords and a crossbow were seized on Wednesday in raids across Greater comes after members of far-right group British Movement North West posted pictures online last month of themselves holding up Nazi flags and eating the cake at a pub in Oldham. Greater Manchester Police said all nine people been bailed "under strict conditions" while their investigation continues. The force had arrested the group on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order offences, which includes displaying written material intended to stir up racial were detained after raids on homes in Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport, and Southport, where imitation firearms, weapons including swords and a crossbow, and Nazi memorabilia was discovered.A suspected grenade was also found at a property in Duke of Edinburgh pub in Royton, Oldham, said its staff had been tricked by the far-right group who allegedly concealed their Nazi paraphernalia when entering. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Telegraph
Nine arrested over ‘Hitler birthday celebration in pub'
Nine people have been arrested after celebrating Hitler's birthday at a pub, police have said. The suspected neo-Nazis arrived at the Duke of Edinburgh in Oldham to mark the occasion with a swastika-emblazoned flag and a cake with icing of the same decoration. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the individuals were arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of offences including displaying written material that is threatening, abusive or insulting, and intended to stir up racial hatred. Officers recovered imitation firearms, weapons including swords and a crossbow, as well as Nazi memorabilia and materials, after attending addresses in Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport and Southport. Police said they have been in contact with Counter Terrorism Policing North West which has offered advice on some of the materials that have been seized. A suspected grenade has since been declared safe with no risk to the public after the deployment of a bomb disposal unit in Bolton. On its website, 'British Movement' posted pictures of a 'Northwest platoon' gathering to celebrate the birthday of 'Uncle A' over the Easter weekend. Pictures were posted online, with the faces of their members pixelated out, showing them holding a flag covered in Nazi symbols. In a now-deleted post, a cake with swastika icing was also posted by the group. On its website, they describe themselves as 'a force for the preservation of white Aryan culture'. The group added that its members had gathered on a 'gorgeous sunny afternoon' to celebrate Hitler's 136th birthday. It described the celebration as 'one of many more to come'. 'Absolutely appalled' The pub's operator, Craft Union Pubs, said it was 'absolutely appalled' at the party and had been unaware of it going on after the group 'concealed' their clothing and activities. GMP said the investigation remains ongoing, with the suspects being held on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences. Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: '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. 'This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that 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 that you remain vigilant, and if you have any information or concerns, then to contact us.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police issue update on raid in Bolton amid 'Hitler party' probe with Nazi memorabilia
Police have confirmed they were called to an address in Deane as part of a' Hitler party' probe. As reported in The Bolton News yesterday, officers investigating reports that a group of people who celebrated Hitler's birthday with Nazi memorabilia at a pub in Royton last month raided addresses Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport, and Southport yesterday morning. One of those addresses included Addington Road in Deane. READ MORE: Area taped off and bomb squad called after discovering of WWII shell Armed police descend on Bolton's stadium for terrorist raid drill Officers said that following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, the bomb squad were deployed. The item was later declared safe, with officers reassuring people that there was no risk to the wider public. In total nine people were arrested as part of yesterday morning's operation in Greater Manchester and Southport. They have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which includes allegedly displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred. Officers say they recovered imitation firearms, weapons including swords and a crossbow, and Nazi memorabilia and materials in the raids. Police have been in contact with officers from the Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) who have offered advice on some of the materials which have been seized. Officers say that residents may see an increased presence of police officers in the community. They are there to assist with enquiries and offer reassurance to residents. Assistant chief constable Steph Parker of Greater Manchester Police said: 'Due to the nature of the materials we [allegedly] 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 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. 'This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that 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 that you remain vigilant, and if you have any information or concerns, then to contact us.' Residents on Addington Street said police were at the scene until into the evening. They described a huge presence on the street.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Nine arrested in dawn police raids after neo-Nazis 'hold birthday party for Adolf Hitler with swastika flags and birthday cake in pub'
Nine people have been arrested as part of a police probe into a group that allegedly celebrated Adolf Hitler's birthday with swastika flags and a birthday cake. They were arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences. This includes displaying written material that is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The pub where the alleged celebration happened is in Royton, Greater Manchester, the force said. Officers then raided properties in Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport and Southport and found imitation firearms, weapons including swords and a crossbow, and Nazi memorabilia and materials. The force has also said they have been in contact with Counter Terrorism Policing North West, which has offered advice on the materials seized. Explosive ordnance disposal were also deployed following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton. The item has since been declared safe and there is no risk to the wider public, police said. Scenes remain in place while officers continue to search the addresses, the force added on Wednesday evening. Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: '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. 'This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that 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 that you remain vigilant, and if you have any information or concerns, then to contact us.' It comes after members of the west branch of racist fringe group British Movement assembled at the Duke of Edinburgh on April 26. The far right obsessives unfurled flags displaying Nazi symbols and even tucked into a black, red and white birthday cake emblazoned with a swastika. They then showed off about the shocking celebration on social media, sickeningly saying the pub had been filled with the 'warm laughter of comrades' as they marked 'the 136th Birthday of Uncle A'. After been approached about the appalling scenes, the pub has said it had no knowledge of the actions of the group of up to eight men and one woman. After this emerged the group were labelled a 'highly fringe Nazi group that is repulsive even by the standards of the far right' who represent 'a tiny collection of crank Hitler fetishists'. A post on the group's Telegram feed reads: 'On a gorgeous sunny afternoon in Greater Manchester, a platoon of Northwest British Movement met up to celebrate the 136th Birthday of Uncle A. 'It certainly didn't take long for the dimly lit interior of the Oldham boozer to be filled with the warm laughter of comrades old and new. 'Tables were filled with a plethora of drinks: frosty pints of beer, fruity cocktails, schooners, and birthday cake! 'As the evening wore on more laughter and lively conversation echoed around the pub, with everyone telling stories and sharing some of their own dreams and aspirations, each person adding to the tapestry of hopes for the future. 'They reminisced about the good times while planning their future BM escapades, ensuring that this celebration was just one of many more to come.'
