Police launch copyright inquiry into Britain First for using the Queen's crown without permission In a rather bizarre criminal investigation, officers from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Operations directorate are investigating claims that the BNP splinter group Britain First breached royal copyright by featuring a depiction of St Edward's Crown on its official merchandise. The leader of Britain First, Paul Golding, is expected to be questioned over the next few weeks after the group failed to comply with a government request to remove the merchandise from sale. The move is reminiscent of US gangster Al Capone's arrest in 1929 for tax evasion, rather than for more serious allegations. The far-right group has previously been accused of inciting racial hatred by handing Bibles to Muslims, and threatening to bury a pig in ground designated for a mosque. However, the authorities believe a real offence has been committed. For some time the group has been selling beanie hats, hoodies and sweatshirts emblazoned with the group's logo and topped by an image that bares a remarkable similarity to St Edward's Crown. Britain First has also used the crown in a highly provocative election leaflet being circulated for the Rochester and Strood by-election next Thursday. The leaflet calls for residents in Rochester to use the election to protest against a new "mega mosque" which they claim will mean "Medway will be flooded with more Muslim immigrants." Paul Golding, leader of Britain First, outside the Old Bailey in London earlier this year (Guy Corbishley/Alamy) Under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, it is illegal "in the course of any trade or business" to give "false indication" that any goods or services are "approved by Her Majesty." Depicting St Edward's Crown without the approval of the Queen is also illegal under the Trade Marks Act 1994. This states, "a person shall not without the authority of Her Majesty or of a member of the Royal family use in connection with any business any device, emblem or title in such a manner as to be calculated to lead to the belief that he is employed by, or supplies goods or services to, Her Majesty or that member of the Royal family." The Cabinet Office, which is responsible for authorising use of official royal symbols, said it had written a letter to the far-right party asking it to remove all images of the crown from its website, marketing materials, stationery and stock "with immediate effect." It received no response and it is understood that it referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police, who confirmed to The Independent that the Met had begun an investigation. Its Specialist Operations directorate, as well as providing protection to members of the Royal Family, is also in charge of counter-terrorism. "We can confirm we are investigating criminal allegations in relation to the unauthorised use of the St Edward's Crown," a spokeswoman said. The Cabinet Office also confirmed it was aware of the investigation, but added: "As this is an ongoing police inquiry we will not be commenting further." But, last night, when The Independent broke the news of the investigation to Mr Golding, he claimed the merchandise was "perfectly legal." Good luck to them. I wish them the best with their politically motivated quest," he said. The group has also been criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority. The ASA ruled that all images of the crown must be removed from the group's websites. But the body has no power to rule on the group's use of the symbol elsewhere. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said they were aware of the investigation but that it was a matter for the Cabinet Office. Explainer: Crown copyright The use of the Royal Arms, as well as Royal Devices and Emblems such as St Edward's Crown, is prohibited by law - unless the permission of the member of the Royal Family concerned has been obtained first. In practice, this is done through the Lord Chamberlain's Office and the Cabinet Office, which then decide what is and what isn't acceptable. On the Royal Family's official website, there is a helpful page showing pictures of Crowns that can be used without breaching Royal copyright, as well as pictures of those that do. Ultimately - if it gets that far - it will be for a court to determine whether Britain First has stepped over that line with its "crown" hoodies, t-shirt and hats.