After Britain First’s distastrous day out in Manchester last weekend, local fascists have tried to up the ante with a cowardly attack on a Stop the War meeting in the city centre on Thursday evening.

One of the speakers was MP Zarah Sultana, herself the target for constant threats and harassment.

The meeting had been advertised with tickets available online. Some were booked by fascists who tried to get into the meeting. Fortunately, they were recognised and blocked.

Fascist ‘auditor’

One of those involved was Ellesmere Port-based Chris Messenger, aka English Ned, a well-known figure on the fascist ‘auditor’ scene.

He has regularly called for attacks on refugee hotels, and is part of a group of thugs regularly seen at events in the North West.

He is invariably accompanied and assisted by his partner, Sophie Taylor, a tattooist in Chester, who was also trying to get into the meeting on Thursday.

The group also included supporters of Reza Pahlavi, son of the pre-1979 Iranian dictator, who have also been attacking local Shi’a mosques, daubing buildings with graffiti and red paint, and abusing worshippers on the way to prayers.

Some of those involved in these attacks have openly boasted about their efforts, posting videos online.

Searchlight readers will recall a recent firebomb attack on a mosque in Stockport and will also perhaps be aware of a very troubling attack on Muslims attending Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday when two men, armed with an axe, a hammer, a knife and zip ties, invaded the building during Taraweeh prayers.

Two men have since been arrested and charged

This incident, widely reported and the subject of questions in Parliament, indicates the nature and extent of violent anti-Muslim rhetoric and its consequences.

Increased violence

It is clear that fascist thugs in Manchester are trying to increase the violence and start a chain reaction. This follows attacks and threats against anti-fascist meetings in the west country in recent weeks and is beginning to form a disturbing pattern.

With this in mind, anti-fascists and community groups are pressing local authorities to ban the planned march by Britain First in Manchester on 18th April, and similar events organised by violent racist extremists in the city.