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Neo-Nazi activists are set to return to the streets of Liverpool tomorrow, three weeks after being forced to call off a march through the city.

Dozens of supporters from far-right National Action abandoned plans to hold a protest on Merseyside in the face of a huge backlash from anti-fascist campaigners.

But the group, which states its “ultimate aim” is of a “white Britain”, appears to be intent on returning and has broadcast a series of posters suggesting it will do so on September 5.

In pictures: the first march is cancelled

Merseyside Police today confirmed it had received notification that the fascists intend to hold a rally in the city - and that there were no grounds to ban it.

A spokesman said: “Merseyside Police can confirm the force has received notification of a march to take place in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, September 5, entitled “White Man March” and has been made aware of a potential counter protest.

“The force has examined the notification submitted for the event and at this stage, there are no grounds to make an application to ban the march. In accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998, the force will facilitate peaceful protest.”

Three weeks ago Liverpool city centre became a hotbed of protest as rival organisations came close to clashing in and around Lime Street station.

Heavily outnumbered, National Action supporters - who had officially applied to march through Liverpool - were targeted by hundreds of anti-fascist campaigners, at one point leaving alleged members of the nationalist group locked in a lost luggage facility.

A separate protest, led by Unite Against Fascism, also drew wide support as it marched from William Brown Street to the Pier Head.

Since then, National Action has been threatening a return to Liverpool, initially suggesting a date of Saturday, August 29.

No march materialised then but posts on the group’s Twitter page outlined tomorrow as a date for its potential return.

In the past week posters of a masked man raising a clenched knuckle duster-clad fist above an image of a burning city have been distributed with the words “Liverpool will be ours”. The images, bearing the insignia of National Action, call on supporters to “report to your cell leader” and include the date of September 5.

Anti-fascist group Unite Against Fascism have issued an urgent plea for supporters to make themselves available for a counter demonstration.

A post on the group’s Facebook page said: “Across Europe, where fascists have not been challenged, they can grow and pump their poison out, causing great damage to all they target. We will not allow this to happen here. UAF is asking supporters/anti fascists and all who turned out so brilliantly in August to again show these Nazis they are not welcome in the city.”

Watch: Anti-facist demo from three weeks ago

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That rival protest is due to begin at midday at Lime Street station.

Precise details of the possible National Action march are not yet known.

Superintendent Dave Charnock said: “Marches can present difficult challenges for all involved. We are committed to facilitating peaceful protest, whilst remaining completely impartial.

“We recognise the right of people to demonstrate peacefully and express their views and we will continue to work with Liverpool City Council and other agencies to ensure this weekend’s march passes peacefully and safely.

“We will not tolerate criminality, disorder or anti-social behaviour in any form and will take action against anyone who abuses their right to free speech.”