Man arrested after walking round York in swastika face mask

Police have arrested a man who has been walking around York wearing a face mask with the swastika symbol.

The mask also bore the words ‘White Pride’.

He had been seen by a number of residents in York yesterday and today (Saturday, 18 July).

Poet Henry Raby reported yesterday evening on Twitter: “Just seen a man in York city centre with a face mask that said ‘White Pride’ with a swastika in the middle.

“Didn’t feel comfortable enough to confront or follow him, and not sure what we can do with this info but be aware York.”

‘Zero tolerance to hate crime’

A man wearing the same mask also approach Cllr Darryl Smalley as he was filming with BBC Look North near York Minster this morning.

He said on Twitter: “I’ve just given a witness statement to North Yorkshire Police after a man wearing a ‘white power’/swastika face mask approached me, the BBC Look North team and other residents by the Minster this morning – he’s since been been caught and arrested.

“Zero tolerance to hate crime in York.”

The police confirmed this, saying: “Following reports this afternoon of a male in the city centre wearing a swastika face covering, officers from the city task force, city neighbourhood team and with assistance from York Street Rangers, conducted area searches.

“We located male who was arrested for public order offences. Thanks to everyone who reported it #noplaceforhate.”