By Basant El-Faramawy
Former Britain First leader Ashlea Simon, 37, has been arrested and bailed by Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage in connection with a wave of attacks on houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) across Salford, Stockport and Tameside.
Arrest after family holiday
Simon says she was taken off a plane, handcuffed and arrested upon returning to the UK from a family holiday. She denies any involvement and claims her home was raided twice, describing the police action as a political “witch hunt.”
Series of HMO attacks
Around 50 reports of criminal damage to HMO properties have been recorded this month. Windows were smashed and buildings daubed with graffiti including “No HMO” and “Stop The Boats.” HMOs house three or more unrelated people and have increased as the government moves asylum seekers from hotels to dispersal accommodation.
Political context and bail conditions
Simon leads a group called All For England, which describes itself as “pro-English” and anti-immigration. She has posted videos online documenting the rise in HMOs. Her bail conditions, lasting until January next year, impose a curfew and ban her from activism, which she calls “house arrest.”
Police investigation continues
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the arrest of a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage and said she has been bailed pending further inquiries. Seven people have been arrested and bailed in total as the investigation continues.
