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A far right group received a warning today that “proud Geordie people” will not tolerate them trying to gain a foothold in the city.

The warning comes after National Action (NA) said their visit to Tyneside last weekend was to “establish a presence” in Newcastle.

But it was an aim quickly rebuked by cultural and political leaders who said they were not welcome in the North East.

NA, who describe themselves as “Britain’s premier Nationalist street movement”, demonstrated at Grey’s Monument in the city centre on Saturday.

Their presence was unexpected and Northumbria Police had not been notified of their plans.

During the 10-minute protest, the pro-Nazi group unfurled a banner which stated “Refugees Not Welcome” and “Hitler was Right”.

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Onlookers who used their phones to video the demonstration also caught on camera an alleged attack on a busker who had been playing the saxophone during the demo.

Police say they are currently investigating a report of assault.

Abu Tayeb, founder of Islamic Diversity in Newcastle, said: “It was appalling to see such an outward display of racism and the glorification of hate by displaying a picture of Hitler alongside a hashtag of #hitlerwasright.

“Not only is it an insult and a call to violence to minority groups in this country but also a complete disregard for the values we uphold in this country of respect and tolerance.

“Our elders didn’t fight against fascism and Hitler during the Second World War to allow such an open display of hate and intolerance.

“We are proud to see the Geordie people stand up against this and not let them get away with it.”

Most people in the region could be forgiven for not having heard of NA. It was not too long ago they had just a handful of members, but that is starting to change.

The group appears to have its origins in the collapse of the British National Party and the remnants of other Far Right groups which have floundered.

NA members appear to use Far Right web forums, as well as putting up neo-Nazi posters and leafleting in student unions to spread their message.

Their presence in Newcastle, following similar demonstrations in Liverpool, has sparked some concern, particularly in light of the Pegida march in the city last year.

Thousands of Tynesiders turned out in force during a counter-demonstration after Pegida picked the city as the location for its first UK march.

A spokesman for National Action said: “Our aim was to establish a presence in the city and the North East in general.

“There are articles all over the place and as you may have seen there were some young men and women who became very excited during the demonstration and registered interest in the group, so we certainly consider this to have been a success.

“Newcastle has been very good to us, the police were very nice for a change, and we would certainly like to return some time with local support.”

But it would appear any return would not be welcome.

Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central, said: “I was upset to see National Action attempt to spread their vile hatred on our streets.

“We know from last year, when Pegida attempted to launch their racist campaign in Newcastle, that as a city and a region we are both stronger and kinder than those who try to divide us.”