Schools warned about pupils' links with far-right extremism

Safeguarding staff in schools in Dudley have been sent a bulletin warning about former EDL leader Tommy Robinson's possible visit to the area. The bulletin also warns about active far-right groups after pupils were linked with far-right extremism.

There have been rising fears that schoolchildren in the area are being targeted by certain groups trying to gain followers or incite violence.

The bulletin said: “This information has been shared with all Dudley Safeguarding Leads at their forum.

“There is now an Instagram group. It has 600 followers across two schools and is inciting football hooligans.”

“Finally there has been intelligence that Tommy Robinson is visiting Halesowen soon. He is a far right anti-Islam activist."

Two Instagram pages have been identified linked to two schools in the area.

A spokesperson for the school trust told the local Express & Star newspaper: “Several weeks ago we became aware of an Instagram account linked to a group of young people that appeared to mirror the language and imagery used by right wing organisations.

“Students from another of the Trust’s schools saw this account and largely mistook it to be about inter-school rivalry. While they set up a similar account, all indications suggest it was for very different reasons.

“We immediately took robust action where it was appropriate, and, in partnership with other organisations, worked with the students concerned to help them understand the potential impact of their actions. While we are pleased that the accounts have been inactive since then, we remain vigilant.”

Tony Barnsley, the Labour candidate in Hayley Green and Cradley South said: “Tommy Robinson once led the now defunct English Defence League to tour the country, creating racial tension and violence in our towns and cities, most notably in Dudley town centre locally.

“Any visit by Tommy Robinson to Halesowen should be condemned and opposed by all decent minded residents. Any attempt to stir racial tension in schools is deplorable.”