The public have been warned by British Transport Police to remain vigilant after a commuter made a disturbing discovery while removing a far-right extremist sticker at a train station.
A member of the public peeled off the National Front sticker, which included the slogan, “Rights for Whites”, to find a razorblaze had been hidden underneath.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers shared photos of the stickers and blade on social media, writing: “It has been brought to our attention that dangerous stickers have been discovered at a railway station that, once removed, have razor blades stuck to them.
The union urged travellers to take “extreme care and do not attempt to remove them”.
The stickers were found near Dunton Green train station, a small village in Kent’s Sevenoaks District. The far-right sticker was reportedly spotted stuck to a light fitting in the tunnel.
Local authorities have have warned of an “an increasing level” of far right propaganda in the village, but urged people to remain calm.
In response to the troubling discovery, PC Nick Hubbard told My Community Voice Kent: “On Monday 29th July 2024, police were alerted to a concerning event near to Dunton Green train station. While it’s important not to incite panic, it’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue.
“I would urge everyone to remain vigilant. If you come across any ‘hate-inspired stickers’ in public places, please do not attempt to remove them yourself,” he added.
“Instead, immediately notify the police. The sticker in question was located near a school, highlighting the potential danger it posed. Fortunately, no injuries occurred upon its discovery.”
Chief Supt Chris Casey, Commander for British Transport Police and South East England, said: “If not already, please do encourage your members to report the details to BTP. Text 61016 or 0800405040. This is sadly a known tactic used by some extreme groups. Thank you.”
A spokesperson for Kent Police told The Mirror: “On Monday 29 July 2023, Kent Police was notified by staff at Sevenoaks District Council, that a member of the public had informed them of a sticker with a razor blade attached on a light fitting at Dunton Green railway station.
“The incident has not been directly reported to Kent Police and details have been passed to the British Transport Police for them to explore.”
It comes amid a surge in far-right activity across the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbing Monday, in which three young girls were killed and a number of others were injured while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
Misinformation about the rampage then spread widely online, with false claims that the attack had been carried out by an asylum seeker. The teenage suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was born in Cardiff.
More anti-immigration protests are planned for Sunday, with police braced for fresh violence after shocking scenes yesterday in cities and towns across the UK which resulted in at least 90 arrests, several police officers being injured, and widespread looting.
Speaking yesterday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I want everyone to be clear. Anyone who gets involved in criminal disorder, violent thuggery on our streets, will have to pay the price.”
Tiffany Lynch from the Police Federation of England and Wales said while in the past civil unrest was “pocketed” in particular areas of the country, “we’re now seeing it flooding across major cities and towns”.
