CHIEF SUPT PRAISES “PEACEFUL” PROTEST

CHIEF Superintendent Jason Harwin has praised the peaceful nature of demonstrations in Rotherham town centre after deploying 1,000 officers to maintain order.

The South Yorkshire Police Commander for Rotherham offered his thanks to the public and local businesses as two protests involving approximately 700 people passed without any major disruption, behaviour or criminality in the town.

Police estimated that around 700 people were protesting in Rotherham town centre on Saturday from the English Defence League (EDL) and United Against Fascism (UAF).

Around 1,000 police officers were drafted in to police the event and to ensure the safety of local residents and those taking part.

Chief Supt Harwin said: “Working with partners and with the co-operation of the public and local businesses in Rotherham, the events passed with minimal disruption and no disorder.

“There were no arrests made and the two groups complied fully with police, allowing the protests to be carried out peacefully with minimal disruption for local residents and shoppers.”

He added: “I would like to thank all officers and partners involved in the operation for their professionalism leading up to the event and throughout today.”

According to police, around 500 EDL representatives marched through the town from 1pm, gathering in All Saints Square at around 2pm.

They were escorted from the Square just before 3pm and dispersed from the town centre.

From the opposing group UAF, around 200 people gathered at the Town Hall at around 11am, and entered All Saints Square shortly after the EDL left the location.