Hotpoint Aquarius WD440 Flashing lights how to get the filter top off?

This washer/dryer is less than a month old. The customer services are abrupt and not very helpful.
First problem was that all the writing on the front of the machine (instructions) will smudge with a rub of a hand! (They will send out a new one when in stock!)
But most important is that i now have a machine that thinks it is at Blackpool as when i try to do an extra spin load 2 of the lights on the 'dash' flicker and so does the power button.
the power then can not be turned of by this button and i have to unplug the unit.
they guy at customer services said it meant a blockage and to check the outlet pipe well i know that worked as the water has been going out of there fine but he also said to remove the wash filter from under the front panel.
my other machine filter was a large screw style but this is a flat red metal disc with a hand and jagged line going across it.
I can find no information on this in the instructions.
So does anyone have any idea on how to remove the filter so i can check for any blockage.
Thanks
Lorraine