Police thank Rochdale following town centre rallies

EDL and UAF demos
Police cordon

Greater Manchester Police says it is “grateful” to the people of Rochdale following today’s (Saturday 5 March 2011) demonstrations.

Around 550 demonstrators from the English Defence League and 100 United Against Fascism/counter demonstrators took part in rallies in the town centre this afternoon.

Officers made 31 arrests during the operation, on suspicion of offences including drunk and disorderly behaviour and public order offences.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: "We have intensively planned for the event and delivered a robust policing operation to ensure public safety.

"But it was vital to work closely with key agencies and communities to ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum. The engagement of local volunteers to manage this was an excellent aspect of today’s operation.

"The volunteers spoke to and worked with counter-demonstrators on the ground and this complemented the professional and sensitive way in which the officers policed the demonstration.

"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.

"I am proud to be the Divisional Commander of a town with such a wealth of diverse communities with a strong sense of pride and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the planning of the event for the help and support they have given us."