31 arrested in EDL and UAF demos

EDL and UAF demos

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Thirty-one people have been arrested during demonstrations by the English Defence League and Unite Against Fascism held in Rochdale today (Saturday 5 March 2011).

Over 500 people were in the EDL side of the protest, held at the Rochdale cenotaph, across the road from the Town Hall, and around 100 people took part in the UAF/ counter demonstration on the other side of the cenotaph.

The groups were kept apart by the police and barriers. Officers made 31 arrests during the operation, on suspicion of offences including drunk and disorderly behaviour and public order offences.

Demonstrators began arriving in the town centre just after lunch time. The counter demonstrators met at Stoneyfield Park and walked through Broadfield Park to the demonstration space.

A total of nine coaches brought EDL demonstrators into the town centre over a space of two hours.

Hundreds of police officers were involved in the operation, including the tactical aid unit, police dog handlers and police horses. The police helicopter was also present.

EDL demonstrators wore EDL hooded jumpers and carried flags bearing the St George cross.

The rally was relatively peaceful, although some missiles were thrown, including bottles and flares. Both sides chanted at each other throughout.

A speaker from the EDL spoke through a tannoy and said that the EDL were there because of recent reports about child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

Alongside the police presence were community mediators – who volunteered from various areas of the community.

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, said he thought the demonstrations had been “relatively peaceful.”

Former Rochdale Councillor, Ibrar Khan praised the police effort, and said the counter demonstration displayed “community spirit.”

Around 100 people gathered to watch the demonstration. The town centre pubs took the decision to close and several shops were also shut. People had been told to go ahead with their Saturday business as normal.

Buses to take the EDL back to Rochdale station started arriving at 4.00pm. Counter demonstrators left via Broadfield Park. By 5.00pm all demonstrators and spectators had left.

Prior to the police operation, Chief Superintendent John O’ Hare, said:  "Our police operation does not finish once the demonstrators leave town. There will be an extensive policing operation into the night and in the days afterwards.”

Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert said: “The police operation has been a complete success, the demonstrations have taken place with a minimum of disruption to our town. Rochdale’s diverse communities are to be commended for their cooperation, tolerance and restraint through what has been a challenging time. 

“It has been a hard day for town centre businesses and I understand many have tried and succeeded in operating as normally as possible. 

“We will continue to work closely with our partners in the police and within our communities to reassure people well after the protest and into the future that Rochdale is a town of harmony.”

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director at Rochdale Borough Council added:  “This has been a team effort, brilliantly led by Greater Manchester Police. I would like to thank all council staff and our partners in Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), NHS, The Ambulance Service and the Fire and Rescue Service for their professionalism and hard work today.

 “The demonstrations were successfully managed. This is the result of excellent planning and joint endeavours of the police, the council, our partners and community volunteers to protect the people we serve whilst facilitating a peaceful right to protest.”