FAR-RIGHT activists who approached a group of refugees in a reported hate incident have been condemned.

Police were called at 3pm and 5.53pm on October 22 to the report of a hate incident that occurred in the Hindpool area of Barrow.

The report was of a group that had used challenging language towards those at the location while filming.

In the video – posted on a far-right party’s website – refugees believed to be staying at the Imperial Hotel were approached by activists who asked questions like ‘how have you got here’ while filming the group.

Visibly distressed, the group walk away from the activists and called the police.

Police said they have worked with partners and spoken to those who notified them of concerns and 'will continue to support them'. At this time no crimes have been recorded in relation to this incident, said police.

Barrow Inspector Natalie Jukes said: “We take reports of hate crime and incidents incredibly seriously. Everyone should be able to live their lives without fear of intimidation and prejudice. It is never acceptable to target someone because of who they are and we will investigate every report.

“We would encourage anyone with information on hate crime or incidents to report them to us.

“To anyone considering undertaking this type of action, you should expect contact from the police and to be held to account for your actions.”

Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, has condemned the incident and said he would be raising the issue with the immigration minister.

He said: “We were aware of this incident and have already flagged it to the Home Secretary following engagement with the Furness Multicultural Forum. No one should be subject to attacks or intimidation, and a good number of the gentlemen at the hotel should be considered in a vulnerable state.

“This is, I am afraid, part of a policy of intimidation by the far right that the majority in our community will want to condemn. We should have a sensible and measured conversation about the challenges we face, and not resort to scaremongering and this kind of behaviour. I will be making sure that Cumbria Police are notified and that when the immigration minister appears in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee shortly that I raise it with him direct.”