AN online chatroom used by self-styled neo-Nazis is no longer publicly accessible following a probe by this newspaper.

Far-right activists in Cumbria were using an encrypted messaging app to spread their extreme ideas.

But after this newspaper exposed their activities, the group is no longer able to be found.

Photos shared in a chat on the Telegram messaging app showed members of the group gathering for walks in Lake District.

The images showed them saluting Adolf Hitler while stood on an LGBT pride flag.

Members were also pictured hoisting flags bearing Swastikas.

The messaging channel now appears to be hidden on the app.

It is no known whether the group has made it private, or whether the channel has been taken down.

Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.

Messages sent in the group, which we have chosen not to name, include quotes said by Hitler and advice on how to 'convince' friends to support 'National Socialism'.

The 49 members of the group are also encouraged to read Hitler's Mein Kampf.

Anyone with the app, which boasts more than 400 million users worldwide, was able to find the publicly accessible group in a matter of seconds with an innocent geographical search.

Campaigners called for action on the group chat to be taken by Telegram, which has been heavily criticised for allowing extremists and conspiracy theorists to use its services.

Paul Jenkins, a North West Regional Organiser for Unite Against Fascism, who is based in Cumbria, said: "As was shown in Hitler's Germany, fascists use democracy and free speech to destroy democracy and free speech for everyone else."

"There should be no platform for fascists - and this includes social media platforms.

"I don't think Telegram or any other platform should be allowing the far right to hold chats."

National anti-fascist group Hope not Hate has also been vocal in its criticism of Telegram.

Responding to the findings by this newspaper, a spokesman said: "The fact that Telegram continues to harbour content favoured by extremists is beyond reproach.

“It’s a growing issue that Telegram is used for organising among the far right.

"In the past, Telegram has taken action against Islamist terrorism on its platform. We don’t think it’s too much to ask for far-right extremism to also be addressed.”