Police believe missing Blackburn man has EDL links

A far right sympathiser from Blackburn, who was part of a group that ambushed people going to an anti-fascist benefit gig, is being hunted by police.

Peter Hawley, 54, was jailed last year for his part in the attack, which left his victim ‘battered and bruised’.

He is now wanted on prison recall after breaching the terms of his license which involve him cooperating with the probation service.

Sgt Andy Horne, the East division crime and tasking co-ordinator, said: “East division remains committed to make communities safe, and local people can assist with this goal.

“I’d also like to appeal to Hawley himself to come forward.”

The assault happened in Liverpool last July when a gang of nine men, including Hawley, who is from the Lower Audley area of Blackburn, rushed towards the victims, throwing punches and kicks.

The violence then spilled from the street into the nearby Tabac café where the violence continued among shocked diners.

Witnesses later told officers there were two distinct groups involved in the fighting, one clearly doing the attacking and the other being attacked.

A Merseyside police inspector was on duty that evening and he saw between eight and 10 men running from the scene, including Hawley.

Police said he was believed to be active within the English Defence League (EDL) and was an avid football supporter.

He was described as white, of a medium to stocky build, 5ft 6ins, clean shaven, with greying brown hair, blue eyes, and West Ham United tattoos on his right forearm.

Lancs Telegraph