A STICKER supporting a Nazi terrorist group has been stuck on railings on the seafront.

It is yet unconfirmed whether more have been put up around the town, but the Combat 18 sticker, on Pier Hill, has concerned residents.

This comes after the Echo reported how posters depicting attacks on people in Islamic clothing with the text ‘Islamists not welcome’ were put on lampposts in Rayleigh.

Combat 18 is a neo-Nazi terrorist organisation which was formed in 1992. The number 18 refers to the first and eighth letters of the alphabet, Adolf Hitler’s initials.

A spokesperson from Southend against Fascism, a group set up to expose and confront fascism in the town, was fearful that incidents like this are on the rise. He said: “As little as three years ago there was nothing like this popping up in our community. Now it seems it’s happening sporadically. There has also been racist graffiti near town and in Shoebury.

“It is massively disturbing that stickers supporting Combat 18, a proscribed terrorist organisation, are appearing in Southend.”

They called for the police and Southend Council to do more when it comes to signs and stickers being put up: “They need to keep a watch on organisations peddling far right filth and ideologies. Anti-Muslim rhetoric is being spread into our town more and more each day.

“We would imagine the police are investigating to see if anyone with serious far right links could be connected to the recent rise of far right political parties.”

Simon Blackledge, 33, from Leigh, who found the sticker and reported it to police, said: “I’m not aware of more but the officer I spoke to said incidents like this were becoming more common.”

Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend council, said: “In Southend, we are proud of our diverse culture, and propaganda such as this has no place here.

“Our waste contractor will remove any stickers as a matter of urgency and will be keeping a close eye for others. If anyone spots these stickers or any similar stickers or posters, please report them immediately at MySouthend.”

Essex Police could not comment but were able to confirm that they are aware of the sticker on Pier Hill, and anyone with information should contact 101.