Owners of Clacton Pier have condemned members of a far-right group, including by-election candidate Kai Stephens, who allegedly tried to set off pyrotechnics on the timber-decked attraction before being ejected.
Incident at the pier
The British Democrats group staged an unauthorized demonstration at the family attraction. The pier's owners said the men attempted to hang a large banner over the side and held pyrotechnics "with an apparent intention to ignite them."
When security guards asked them to leave, the group directed "an unacceptable level of verbal abuse and language" at them, which the owners branded "wholly inappropriate for a family attraction."
Social media video
A video shared by the British Democrats on social media showed the men unfurling a banner reading 'Save Our Nation - Remigration' on a pedestrian bridge near the pier.
In a Facebook post, the pier's owners said they "strongly condemns" the protest, adding: "Bringing pyrotechnics onto the Pier, with an apparent intention to ignite them, was extremely irresponsible, particularly given the prolonged period of dry weather and the Pier’s timber decking. The potential consequences of such actions, including the risk of fire and serious harm to members of the public, are self-evident."
Candidate background
Kai Stephens, 22, from Norwich, is one of 34 candidates in the Clacton by-election on August 13. The by-election was called by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at an estimated cost of £200,000 to the taxpayer.
Stephens's party advocates "voluntary repatriation" and "remigration" of immigrants to prevent what it claims is the "demographic replacement" of the British people. He told the Eastern Daily Press that Farage was his "political hero from a young age" but now believes his "weak policies on immigration would do nothing to prevent Britain's decline."
In May, Stephens finished last of six candidates in the Crome ward in the Norwich City Council elections with 77 votes. The Mirror has contacted the British Democrats for comment.
