BNP officer beaten by visitors to his home

AN OFFICIAL of the extreme right-wing British National Party was severely beaten in his home yesterday morning by three men, writes Tim Kelsey.

Mike Newland, the BNP press officer who has achieved media prominence during the party's local election campaign in east London, was last night in hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including a suspected broken neck and head injuries. The attack is the third on a BNP member in as many weeks.

Mr Newland was attacked at about 8am by three white assailants carrying a hammer and stave. They left him bound and gagged inside his home in north London.

In a statement, the BNP said Mr Newland had opened the door to three men who claimed to be inspectors from Camden council and produced a letter bearing the council's name. The same three had called at the house earlier this week but were turned away after Mr Newland became suspicious. It is understood that his condition is serious but not life-threatening.

Another BNP activist, Alfred Waite, was injured after a letter bomb exploded at the party's headquarters in Welling, south London, on 7 April.

On 23 April, Michael Davidson, 33, a BNP candidate, lost an eye when he and another candidate were kicked and beaten by a masked gang in Newham, east London.