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14

Aug 2023

Last Updated: 14/08/2023
Crime
Crime

Police remove Nazi swastika flag hung over Harrogate Train Station

by John Plummer

| 14 Aug, 2023
Comment

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Police are investigating a suspected hate incident after a Nazi swastika flag was hung from a flat overlooking Harrogate Train Station.

The swastika appeared on Saturday and was visible to commuters until police removed it that night.

It was displayed from the window of a flat on East Parade, high above the train station.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement last night:

"Police in Harrogate are investigating a suspected hate incident after a swastika flag was placed in the window of a flat near Harrogate Train Station on Saturday.
"Two separate complaints were made to North Yorkshire Police.
"Following enquiries, officers attended the property just before 10pm to remove the offensive item."
"The matter is now subject to an investigation and the occupant of the flat, who was not present, will be spoken to in due course.
"Officers will also be taking formal statements from the two complainants during the week, as well as conducting further enquiries in the neighbourhood."


'We couldn't believe it'


Harrogate man Thomas Norman, who reported the incident to police, was travelling to the Harrogate Brewing Co. beer festival on Saturday evening when he noticed the swastika at the station. He added:

"We couldn’t believe it at first and had to ask each other if it was what we thought it was, it was uncanny, I’ve never seen that in a real life context."


It is the second time in just over a year a swastika has been displayed from a property in Harrogate.

On the previous occasion, the man responsible said it was a kriegsmarine flag which he put up to mark the sinking of the Bismarck ship.

Police asked witnesses to the latest incident, or anyone with information, to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101, option 4.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or make an online report.

Quote reference number 12230151540.