THE focus on neo-Nazi extremists needs to be equal to that on Islamic terror, an anti-fascist group has said following the conviction of Ethan Stables.

Anti-fascist coalition Unite Against Fascism (UAF) said the trial of Stables "shows again the willingness of fascists to engage in racial and homophobic violence".

The 20-year-old was found guilty on Monday of preparing to commit acts of terrorism, possessing explosive substances under suspicious circumstances and making threats to kill.

The jury convicted him of the offences after a two-week trial at Leeds Crown Court.

Unite Against Fascism said his case is reminiscent of the 1999 horror in Soho when ex BNP member, David Copeland, killed three people at the Admiral Duncan LGBT pub.

Paul Jenkins, North West Organiser of Unite Against Fascism, said: "The people of Barrow and Furness have a proud tradition of oppposing the far right and neo-Nazis.

"The campaigns here against the fascist BNP from 2001 to 2014 by UAF, trades unionists and others - were part of a mass movement nationally that pushed back the likes of the BNP and EDL. Having been pushed back, a number of fascists have resorted to terrorism."

Stables will be sentenced once psychiatric assessments have been carried out to determine if he should be given a hospital order or a prison sentence.

Weyman Bennett – joint Secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said:

“There is a pattern emerging with the British far right. Once again a valued part of our community, lgbt brothers and sisters, faced a fascist whose intent was horrific. If Stables had remained ‘under the radar’, he may have been able to carry out his foul deed.

Anti fascists have reduced the far right to a situation where terrrorist acts are now increasingly favoured by groups such as National Action and individuals like Darren Osborne, influenced by Britain First and Tommy Robinson. We will continue to campaign against the far right, to try to keep them on the margins”.

Sabby Dhalu – Joint Secretary of Unite Against Fascism added: “It is clear from his online threats to kill and maim, blacks, lgbt and others, that Stables is a dangerous neo nazi.

"There must be a thorough attempt to root out such people. Much attention has been focused on Islamist terror. Much greater focus must be made on the far right, given the propensity of terror cases involving individuals and groups like the banned, National Action."