Fife community left 'disgusted and ashamed' after 'group Nazi salute with SS flag', says Labour MP

Kirkcaldy residents have been left “disgusted and ashamed” after an image appearing to show a group performing Nazi salutes alongside an SS flag outside a town hall was posted online, a local MP has said.

The picture shows masked individuals dressed in black at the entrance to Kirkcaldy Town House, raising and extending their right arms in a gesture used by the Nazi Party.

They appear to be holding a Schutzstaffel flag, which is adorned with the SS insignia. The Nazi paramilitary group, which operated under Adolf Hitler, is estimated to have murdered around six million Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Member of Parliament for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, Melanie Ward, has described the image, which was taken on Saturday, as “abhorrent”.

The Labour representative said: “The people of our town, the football community, and those across Fife and the country categorically reject this vile display of hate, racism and division.

“The Nazis were responsible for war and devastation across Europe and the SS organised the Holocaust; one of the most evil chapters that humanity has ever known. As our war memorial records, hundreds from this town gave their lives to stop them.

“Many in our community are feeling scared, disgusted, and frankly ashamed that people who live amongst us feel comfortable participating in such an act. I am grateful for the local Police’s swift action in identifying, arresting and beginning to charge suspects. I will remain closely engaged with them.”

Claims online say that the image is of a Raith Rovers-linked ultra group following the team’s 6-0 win over Ross County.

However, the Championship side has told STV News that the group does not attend matches and was not seen in the stands on Saturday.

The club said that they “unequivocally condemn any display of fascist or racist imagery”.

Police officers have charged a male in connection with the image. He is due to appear in court at a later date.

Detectives say they are following “positive lines of enquiry” to identify the other members of the group.

Inspector Kim Stuart said: “We are aware of the photo circulating online and the concern it has caused in the local community. We would like to reassure the public that Police Scotland takes such matters seriously.

“A male has been charged in connection with the incident and will appear at court at a later date. Further positive lines of enquiry remain ongoing to identify others involved.”