A teacher, a former police officer and ex-servicemen living in Harrow have been 'outed' as members of the British National Party.

Their names were on a list naming 12,000 followers of the far-right organisation leaked on the internet last week by an angry ex-member.

The document included confidential details such as names, addresses, phone numbers and in some cases their professions.

This week BNP supporters in Harrow have reported receiving abusive phone calls from anti-fascist groups ever since the list was published.

Michael Barnes, 80, who served in the RAF and lives in Formby Avenue, Stanmore, said: "I have had a few calls but I have experienced similar things in the past. I'll be honest with you, I am a member of the BNP and have been since the 1970s.

"I am not worried about the list being leaked. Look at all the things the Government has lost in the past. My father fought for democracy in the war and I don't think there is anything wrong with people having their own opinion.

"I don't have anything to be ashamed of."

There are 44 Harrow residents named in the document, including people who work or previously worked in sensitive professions such as teaching, the police and the armed forces. One member from Pinner is also listed as a lecturer in human rights.

A former supporter of the far-right group who used to live in Harrow, but wished to remain anonymous, was surprised to find his name was still on the list.

He told the Observer how a brick had been thrown at his old house in Locket Road, Harrow, which is now home to an Asian family.

He said: "I have stopped being a member but have been receiving abusive phone calls all week. I used to follow a lot of skinhead bands and I alsolived in Germany when I was in the army.

"Whether you are left-wing or right-wing people have to stand up and be counted. A lot of people have been sacked and people have experienced verbal abuse.

"But how can people turn round and call members of the BNP mindless thugs? It is those making menacing phone calls and putting bricks through people's windows who are the mindless thugs."

Harrow Council confirmed there were no members on the list working for the authority. A spokeswoman said: "Employees are entitled to their own political views and the council does not comment on them.

"However, the council's code of employment states that all employees must follow the lawfully expressed policy of the council and must not let their own political or personal opinions interfere in any way with their work.

"To our knowledge no employee of Harrow Council is a member of the BNP."

According to the list there are three members living in Harrow, 15 in Stanmore, 13 in Edgware, two in South Harrow, six in Pinner and five in North Harrow.

A spokesman for Harrow Police said an investigation had been launched by New Scotland Yard into the events surrounding the leaking of the list.