Far-right influencer Ashlea Simon was arrested at Manchester Airport as part of ongoing investigations into a series of attacks on HMOs in Salford, the Manchester Evening News understands.
The former co-leader of Britain First and now figurehead of ethno-nationalist patriot group All For England shared on social media that she had been arrested on October 25 after 'returning from a family holiday'.
Arrest and police statement
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a 37-year-old woman had been arrested 'on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage, in connection with an investigation in Salford'. She has since been released on bail.
Following the arrest at Manchester Airport, a GMP spokesperson said: "We have arrested a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage, in connection with an investigation in Salford. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries."
Simon's claims and social media posts
Simon claimed on social media that police raided her home twice, branding the operation as a 'witch hunt'. It has not been confirmed by police whether or not her home was raided by officers.
A post on her X account read: "Ashlea Simon has been arrested by Greater Manchester Police after landing at Manchester airport from a family holiday.
"This arrest relates to Ashlea's social media reports visiting flat-packed HMOs in Salford. Ashlea has done nothing wrong – she is only reporting on local news-worthy events."
In a video ahead of her arrest, Simon said police had 'raided' her home while she was on holiday, and was aware of an 'arrest warrant'.
She said: "Yesterday at 5.30 in the morning, my home was raided by Greater Manchester Police. They turned up with an arrest warrant. They wanted to arrest me. I was not at my property at this time."
She added: "It's a complete witch hunt. They're coming to arrest me. I haven't committed a crime in my life."
Investigation into vandalism attacks
Simon also declared she believed the arrest was linked to a series of videos she has made since July in which she claimed to identify several HMOs in her hometown of Walkden. Some of the buildings featured have since been subject to vandalism.
The arrest comes amidst a major investigation into a slew of vandalism attacks across Salford, Tameside, and Stockport. Police are investigating around 50 incidents, which include HMOs and family homes being smashed up, cars targeted, and a pig's head left outside a home.
Four men have been also arrested in relation to the investigation. GMP are continuing to appeal to members of the public to provide information via the number 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers. Ms Simon was contacted for comment.
