A YELLOW vest protestor threatened to break-into town centre shops post-Brexit, it has been claimed.

In an audio recording posted to social media, the demonstrator can be heard encouraging people to “do every shop in the town centre” after March 29, the date the UK is currently set to leave the European Union.

The threat was made as pro-Brexit yellow vest protestors clashed with a coalition of anti-fascist and pro-EU demonstrators in the shadow of the Cenotaph last Saturday.

Responding to the latest audio recording, both sides criticised the threats to “do” town centre shops. However, former UKIP candidate Martin Costello said it was understandable tensions were running high.

The incident is being probed by Wiltshire Police. A spokeswoman said: “We absolutely support the right for people to protest lawfully but this must be done in a peaceful manner. We continue to monitor the situation and will not tolerate disorderly or violent behaviour. We are currently looking into a video of a recent protest that was provided to us and will take the appropriate action.”

Threats

In the video, a yellow-vest supporter who it has not been possible to identify, is heard denying he is a racist to a counter-demonstrator. “I’m here purely for my kids, purely for my kids. You lot are all f***ing blind,” he says.

The demonstrator replies: “No, we’re not blind. Only some of them. I voted Brexit.”

“Yeah, well. Guess what, you voted – I didn’t. That’s the way it is,” the yellow vest says.

In reply to an inaudible comment, the man continues: “What would I stay in this s***hole for? All these foreign lads coming here nicking my jobs. My kids got to get a job.

“I reckon - not being funny - after the 29th or I reckon the 30th [March] get a load of f***ing lads out together and f***ing do every f***ing shop in the town centre.”

Gavin Perry, a counter-demonstrator who captured the audio recording, said of the yellow vest: “He was threatening to smash the town centre up. That’s why I said, ‘Oh, that will do a lot of good’.”

'Fascists'

Branding the yellow vested group fascists, Tony Hillier, one of those behind the counter-demonstration claimed far-right groups were trying to take advantage of Brexit to “promote racist and fascist actions”.

He added: “Locally, in Swindon, in this atmosphere, we have had racist attacks on our Nepalese Community. Last Saturday, a small group of bussed-in Yellow Vests UK tried to abuse the Swindon Cenotaph. Amongst them were well known fascists from organisations such as For Britain and the National Front. Only three weeks ago the Cenotaph was the site of a local commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, a tribute to the many victims of racism and fascism.”

The yellow vests deny they are racists or members of the far right. Among those at last Saturday’s protest was Ian Baxter, a south west organiser for anti-Islamic party For Britain.

Martin Costello responds - in full

Martin Costello, a former Swindon UKIP candidate, said: “It’s disappointing and I totally condemn such threats. However, it is understandable that tensions are running high as it looks very likely that Brexit and indeed our very democracy are going to be betrayed but I call for calm and cool heads.

“People feel that politicians are not listening to them and are getting very frustrated, as it shows by lashing out like this. However, I’m confident no such appalling behaviour will take place. If it does, those responsible should face the full weight of the law.

"Any regrettable civil unrest we see, particularly in London, will be solely to blame on those politicians who have failed to represent their constituents by treating them with contempt.

"The movement must remain peaceful and civil. The political establishment is relishing these threats of violence and destruction to discredit the movement and give it a bad name.

"I have witnessed first-hand how similar movements have been tarnished like this and thwarted, often by infiltrators and over enthusiastic behaviour.

"The ballot box must always come first. This is where I urge my fellow Swindonians to become bold and brave and think about what it is you are actually voting for and who speak for you.

"People died to give us the chance to vote such as those who died on the beaches of Normandy. This is also why any demonstrators must keep clear of the cenotaph and be respectful.

"Those who seek to bring Yellow Vest in to disrepute are not welcome and will be asked to leave. Any form of racism is totally unacceptable. We seek an Australian points based immigration system to obtain the skills our country’s needs, such as the many unfilled vacancies in the NHS. We thank those who come to the UK to keep us well and save lives.

"Swindon Yellow Vest has now added the IMH debacle to the list of demands as we are fearful that lives could be lost, this must be addressed immediately.

"I spoke to many counter protesters last Saturday and we have many things that unite us. I left them affectionately calling me Swindon’s ‘Wat Tyler’ leading the modern-day peasants revolt.

"I hope they will join us in our other demands as there are many issues we face such as the rising homelessness in Swindon and the council tax increases that are pushing hard working people to the breadline.

"No longer shall we be dived by race, gender, sexuality, region or by the colour of our skin, it is time we united as the human race to achieve a fairer society for all.

"Let us not scupper to the elitist divide and conquer tactics because united we stand, but divided we shall fail."

A second yellow vests protest will be held in Swindon on Sunday, February 17, at 12pm. A date had not been announced as the Advertiser went to press.