A COMMUNITY in Chester has reacted with shock to racist leaflets being posted through letterboxes by a neo-Nazi group.

Police are now appealing for information after residents and councillors in Handbridge reported that hate-filled literature had been delivered to homes on Overleigh Road.

The unknown distributors were working on behalf of a white supremacist group called The Creativity Movement.

The leaflets were said to have been posted at around 8pm on Saturday, September 15, and it is understood that the regional counter terrorism unit has been notified about their content.

Cllr Neil Sullivan, who represents the Handbridge Park ward, told The Standard he was shocked and disappointed.

“This has definitely taken me by surprise,” he said. “I can’t imagine who is responsible or why they decided to do it. We’ve contacted the police and they are looking into it.

“It’s very disappointing and really not at all in accordance with everything we are trying to do in this city. We’ve generally got good inter-race relations in most of Chester, and definitely in Handbridge’s case. This is really out of keeping and not helpful at all.”

He added: “We will look to get to the bottom of it but I’m not sure if we will.”

Fellow ward councillor and former Lord Mayor, Razia Daniels, added: "I am aware that a leaflet has been received by a number of Handbridge households. The wording and sentiment expressed in this leaflet is divisive and has no place in today’s communities.

“We are proud of the diverse cultural community who live in west Cheshire and do not condone leaflets of this nature.

“The people behind this leaflet and its distribution have been reported to Cheshire Police and I would urge anyone who may have information about their origin to call the Police on 101.”

Handbridge Park Police initially raised the issue on Twitter, saying: “There have been reports of people concerned, having received race-based fliers from 'The Creativity Movement'.

“Cheshire Police, including the Counter Terror Unit are aware of these fliers and we are looking in to them. If you have concerns please let us know."

In a subsequent appeal for information from Cheshire Police, PC Gareth Lawrence described the distribution of the material as “very concerning”.

He said: "This has shocked and upset residents in the area and we are keen to speak to anyone who might have seen someone delivering door-to-door on Overleigh Road on Saturday at that time.

"We don't believe that this has been targeted at anyone in particular but it is a very concerning incident.

"If you have any information then please call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML 186640, or submit information online through our website on www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/"