Five extremists arrested

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North West Infidels demonstration in Rochdale

Five men associated with the North West Infidels, a splinter group with links to the far-right English Defence League, who protested in Rochdale earlier this year, have been arrested by anti-terror police on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

It is understood that investigations are focusing on messages posted on Facebook.

A spokeperson for Rochdale Against Racism & Fascism welcomed the arrests: "We welcome the arrest of these dangerous racist extremists and unreservedly support Council Leader Colin Lambert's public call on BBC North West and Granada Reports , for a ban on protests and demonstrations by such race hate groups in the wake of racist inspired disturbances earlier this year in Heywood. "

Further we urge all anti-fascists within the borough and the townships, councillors, MPs, MEPs and members of our wider community to do all they can to increase lobbying pressure on RMBC to support Council Leader Lambert's call for a ban on these dangerous right wing neo-nazi & fascist groups, such as the EDL, the BNP, the National Front and North West Infidels, and see that such a ban is legally enforced with immediate effect by Greater Manchester Police. "

The five men, who have not been named, were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Public Order Act, publishing or distributing written material which may stir up racial hatred.