POLICE are hoping to trace the two men filmed appearing to make a Nazi salute during a protest against Steve Bannon's appearance at the Oxford Union.

Calling it a 'religiously aggravated public order offence', police say the two men "appeared to mimic a Nazi-style salute", which "appeared to goad the group of protesters present in St Michael’s Street".

The force have released two images of the men, who appeared to joke while making a gesture, before seeming to mock goose step, 'mime' a Hitler moustache and film their actions.

READ MORE: 'Nazi salutes' made during Bannon protest in Oxford

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant George Atkinson, of Oxford Investigation Hub, said: “We are investigating this religiously aggravated public order offence following videos which have been circulated on social media since the incident.

“The incident appears to have caused alarm and distress to those who were present and we are investigating the circumstances.

“As part of the investigation I would like to speak to the two men shown in the images.”

The actions have caused outrage in the community. 

A woman who filmed one video, Oxford University student Mahsa Alimardani, said she believed the two men were from a group of pro-Bannon demonstrators.

She said: “While at the protests I noticed that the pro-Bannon folks in the crowd didn’t shy away from doing their 'Nazi salute'.

“I had been following this Oxford Union story for a while and thought the protests would have an effect on their decision. I'm not sure if those men are affiliated with the talk, but they seemed riled up by it.

“It is disappointing to see this in Oxford - a city I’ve associated with the best University and intellectual achievements in the world.”

In a tweet, she added: “What a sad time to be alive.”

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Those with information are asked to contact 101, quoting the reference 43180354936 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.