'Leader' of UK neo-Nazi terror group National Action charged with inciting murder

Banned far-right group National Action
National Action
Chris Baynes26 October 2017
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The alleged leader of a banned neo-Nazi terror group has been charged with encouragement to commit murder.

Christopher Lythgoe, 31, of Woolston, Cheshire, was arrested as part of an investigation into into banned far-right organisation National Action.

He is one of six men charged with being members of the group, Greater Manchester Police said.

Counter-terrorism officers carried out a number of raids across England and Wales last month as part of the investigation.

The others charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation are Garron Helm, 24, of Seaforth, Merseyside, Matthew Hankinson, 23, of Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, Andrew Clarke, 33, of Warrington, Michael Trubini, 35, of Warrington, and a 22-year-old man from Lancashire.

The unnamed 22-year-old is also accused of making threats to kill and intending to commit acts of terrorism.

A police spokeswoman said: "A group of men have been charged as part of a national investigation into the group National Action.

"On Wednesday September 27 as part of co-ordinated activity, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and North West, supported by Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and Wiltshire Police, executed a number of warrants and searched properties across England and Wales."

All of the defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

The classification means that being a member of or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment.

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