No charges over Muslim leaflets

The leaflet made claims about the origin of heroin

Three men from Lancashire arrested over leaflets which claimed Muslims were responsible for the heroin trade will not be prosecuted.

The leaflet was distributed in Burnley and reportedly circulated elsewhere in Lancashire, as well as in Cumbria and Harrogate, North Yorkshire, last year.

Supporters of the British National Party demonstrated outside the town's police station after the arrests.

Lancashire police said the man - aged 41, 44 and 57 - will not be charged.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "A 41-year-old man from Nelson, a 44-year-old man from Darwen and a 57-year-old man from Nelson were all arrested on suspicion of the publication and distribution of written material intended to stir up racial hatred, and the possession of racially inflammatory material.

"However, they have now been told they will not face prosecution."

A 53-year-old man from Preston arrested on suspicion of the same offences was rebailed until later this month, the spokesman added.