A leading anti-fascist campaigner has slammed a racist leaflet delivered to homes in Millom.
The leaflet, which was delivered to homes in the Newtown area of Millom, has been described as ‘a poor attempt at satire’.
Police believe the leaflets to have been made by an amateur but are treating the incident as ‘serious’.
Residents gave police the leaflets while they were investigating anti-social behaviour in the Market Street area.
They have also been delivered in Lord Street and Albert Street.
The leaflet refers to the Muslim burka, a veiled dress traditionally worn by women, as a ‘black crow like tent’ and describes the British Government as ‘treacherous’.
Paul Jenkins, chairman of Unite Against Fascism north west, said: “Whoever is getting this sort of thing out there is completely unacceptable.
“In the same way in the 1930s Hitler’s Nazis targeted Jews, now far right groups and others are trying to scapegoat Muslims.
“Muslims are not to blame for the cuts or other problems.
“Our communities are better united than divided.”
A number of residents have voiced their concern following the news.
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think there is a problem.
“I don’t think everyone is racist but if people start a foreign restaurant there is always a lot of trouble, a lot of people have left the town because of it.”
Arthur Ferguson served in Burma during the Second World War.
He said: “I am not a racist and I despise anyone that is, it is ignorant.
“I fought alongside a lot of Burmese people and Gurkhas, and dealt with Indian people all my life in business – they are just like anybody else.”
Harry Turner, of Devonshire Road, Millom, said: “It does surprise me.
“There are only a few different races in the town and nobody seems to bother.
“Everyone always speaks to you no matter what.”
Sergeant Ashley Bennett of Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We have been made aware of several leaflets being posted through doors in the Millom area over the last week.
“They read like they have been written by a person of Islamic faith however upon closer examination they appear to be spoof in nature.
“They have clearly been done on somebody's word processor as they have not been professionally published and printed.
“That said we take all forms of racism very seriously and are investigating the matter.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 3300247
North West Evening Mail
