PEACEFUL PROTEST IN ROTHERHAM South Yorkshire Police Commander for Rotherham, Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, has thanked residents and local businesses following a demonstration in Rotherham today (Saturday 13 September). Around 1000 people from various groups marched through the town. There was a presence from various right wing protest groups who marched throughout the town centre. The protest passed with sporadic outbreaks of disorder. Two 26 year old men received injuries believed to be minor and were conveyed to hospital. Around 1,500 police officers were drafted in to police the event and to ensure the safety of local residents and those taking part in the protests. Chf Supt Harwin said: “The protests have passed with only sporadic outbreaks of disorder and ten people have been arrested. “I would like to thank all officers and partners involved in the operation for their professionalism leading up to the event and throughout today. Most importantly I’d like to thank the members of the public and business owners who worked with us to ensure minimal disruption.” The EDL gathered at the Town Hall at 1pm and marched to Main Street at around 1.30pm. They left the site at around 6pm and dispersed from the area. The UAF gathered in All Saints Square at 1pm and made their way to the Town Hall, where they remained throughout the demonstration. During the day, ten people were arrested. Three men, aged 42, 20, and 28 from Newark, Cambridge and Nottingham were arrested from a vehicle in the Wickersley area on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. A 34 year old man from Rotherham was arrested on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated fear alarm and distress. A 44 year old Rotherham woman has been arrested on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated fear alarm and distress. A 19 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of threatening behaviour. A 25 year old man from Wigan has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. A 40 year old man from Middlesborough has been arrested on suspicion of assault. A 20 year old man from Mexborough has been arrested on suspicion of damage to a mosque A 18 year old man from Rotherham has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer All are currently in police custody.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:07:29 +0000