Far-right Clacton by-election candidate 'tried to set off pyrotechnics on pier' as UK battles wildfires

Far-right Clacton by-election candidate 'tried to set off pyrotechnics on pier' as UK battles wildfires By-election candidate Kai Stephens and a group of far-right protesters from the British Democrats attempted to light pyrotechnics on the timber-decked Clacton Pier The owners of Clacton Pier have slammed members of a far-right group who 'tried to set off pyrotechnics' before being forced to leave. Kai Stephens - a candidate in the upcoming Clacton by-election - was named among the British Democrats group who staged a demonstration without permission at the family attraction today. The men tried to hang a large banner over the side of the pier, the pier's owners said, and held pyrotechnics "with an apparent intention to ignite them". The group then directed "an unacceptable level of verbal abuse and language" at security guards who asked them to leave, which was branded "wholly inappropriate for a family attraction". One video shared by the British Democrats on social media showed the men unfurling a banner reading 'Save Our Nation - Remigration' on a pedestrian bridge near the pier. Writing on Facebook this afternoon, the owners of Clacton Pier said it "strongly condemns" the protest. They added: "Bringing pyrotechnics onto the Pier, with an apparent intention to ignite them, was extremely irresponsible, particularly given the prolonged period of dry weather and the Pier’s timber decking. The potential consequences of such actions, including the risk of fire and serious harm to members of the public, are self-evident. "Our security team promptly requested that the individuals leave the premises. This request was met with an unacceptable level of verbal abuse and language wholly inappropriate for a family attraction. "Clacton Pier is a place for everyone, and we firmly believe that visitors should be able to enjoy their day without disruption, intimidation or interference. We will always take appropriate action to protect the safety and enjoyment of our visitors, staff and the Pier itself." Kai Stephens, a 22-year-old far-right activist from Norwich, is one of 34 candidates standing in the Clacton by-election, which is being held on August 13. The by-election was called by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at an estimated cost of £200,000 to the taxpayer. Mr Stephen's party, the British Democrats, advocates "voluntary repatriation" and "remigration" of immigrants in a bid to stave off what it claims is the "demographic replacement" of the British people. He told the Eastern Daily Press this week that Farage was his "political hero from a young age", but that he now believes his "weak policies on immigration would do nothing to prevent Britain's decline". Mr Stephens stood for the party in the Norwich City Council local elections back in May, finishing last of six candidates in the Crome ward, with 77 votes. The Mirror has contacted the British Democrats for comment.