THE far-right British National Party in Sunderland could be prosecuted after it suggested a racist motive may lie behind a teenager's murder.
Hendon teenager Scott Pritchard was murdered in January this year and his killer has yet to be found.
As part of its election campaign, the BNP has posted up to 1,000 leaflets in Hendon ward claiming that detectives have ignored crucial evidence.
B
ut police today said there was no evidence pointing towards an Asian killer and they said the leaflet could hinder their murder inquiry.
Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp said: "I am appalled by the leaflet. Its inaccurate information and things like this only heighten any fear and tension in the community and are extremely unhelpful in helping us pursue our enquiries.
"I would appeal to the community to help us find the killer and not to be side-tracked by unhelpful, inaccurate and insensitive comments."
Sunderland BNP spokesman Joseph Dobbie, an election candidate in Silksworth, said: "Scott Pritchard died and there is nothing being done."
Mr Dobbie stood by the leaflet's claims and said it was about breaking through "political correctness" that was hiding information from the public.
He said: "I and others are absolutely convinced that the police know something and are not releasing information."
A prosecution, however, may be made under the Race Relations Act against the BNP, as Crown Prosecution Service lawyers are examining the leaflet.
Police have met leaders of the city's Asian community and there was an increased police presence on the streets of Hendon last night as the Pritchard family distanced themselves from the leaflet.
A police spokesman said the leaflet contained a number of inaccuracies, and added: "We are particularly concerned that the comments may be inflammatory and without foundation.
"We are appalled anyone should try to attempt to use the death of someone for political motives and quite clearly this is extremely distressing for the family and friends of Scott Pritchard.
"Northumbria Police is investigating the comments made and taking legal advice on the issue.
"The family, like the police, are keeping an open mind about the people responsible and the motive, and there is no direct evidence to link any single person to the murder."
