Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 4.55pm
Closing Statement on Today's Events
Police thank public as demonstrations pass without serious incident
Police thanked the public and participants of today’s two demonstrations in Leeds for their patience and consideration, in what they view as a very successful policing operation.
There were a number of minor scuffles and eight arrests for minor offences were made during the day but, in the main, events passed peacefully. There were no reports of any injuries.
Over 2,000 people took part in the two protests in the city’s Victoria Gardens and City Square.
“The intention of the policing and council operation was to enable those with differing views to be able to express them peacefully and for the people of Leeds to go about their business safely, we are pleased with the way things have gone,” said Assistant Chief Constable Mark Gilmore, Commander in overall charge of the policing operation on the day.
“A great deal of West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council time was invested in planning and negotiations and we believe that investment paid off in the peaceful outcome today,” added ACC Gilmore.
Mr Gilmore paid tribute to the professionalism of officers and partners on the ground handling today’s events – the biggest demonstration in West Yorkshire for several years.
Cllr Richard Brett, leader of Leeds City Council added:
"I'm pleased that events today passed without serious incident and disruption.
"The careful planning and detailed coordination with the police was excellent, allowing people to demonstrate peacefully and the city to operate as normal."
Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 4pm
Supporters of the EDL have been allowed to leave the site at City Square, Leeds, which is now empty.
There are some small groups around the city centre but these are being closely monitored by the police.
The remaining UAF supporters at Victoria Gardens have been gradually dispersed by officers.
Traffic restrictions around the city are presently being removed.
Five people have been arrested for a number of public order offences.
Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 3pm
The numbers of UAF supporters at Victoria Gardens has decreased significantly from around 1500 earlier to approximately 500.
Officers continue to monitor the demonstration around City Square where there are estimated to be around 900 people.
At the present time four people have been arrested for a number of public order offences.
Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 1pm
Around 300 to 400 protestors have gathered at the site of the UAF demonstration at Victoria Gardens.
A police cordon remains in place around the site of the demonstration.
Around 200 to 300 EDL supporters have been escorted from the railway station to City Square. They are currently being monitored in City Square by police officers as more demonstrators continue to arrive at the site.
There have been three arrests for minor public order offences.
Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 12pm
Numbers of demonstrators in the city centre remains relatively low at this time.
Around 100 people gathering near to the site of the planned EDL demo.
The following flyer is being handed out to assist those taking part in today's events.
It is available to download as a PDF here (270kb) or as a JPEG image by clicking on the image to the right.
Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 11am
Traffic remains quiet in the city centre but the public are reminded that a number of road closures remain in place.
From 6am- 7pm the following roads will be closed: Cookridge Street from Headrow to Great George Street and Headrow from Calverley Street to Cookridge Street on the eastbound carriageway (westbound will remain open).
At the present time traffic through Leeds is continuing to move well.
Saturday, 31st October, 2009 - 10am
Two demonstrations are being held in Leeds city centre today. One is by the English Defence League (EDL) and the other by the Unite Against Fascism (UAF).
Two to three thousand people are expected at the two demonstration sites, one in Victoria Gardens (UAF) and one in City Square (EDL). The UAF intends to protest between 12 noon and 2pm and the EDL from 1- 3pm.
A major police operation is in place and the demonstrations are away from the main shopping areas.
We will aim to minimise disruption in the city centre while allowing both groups their right to peacefully protest.
A number of road closures have been put in place to help us facilitate this. From 6am- 7pm the following roads will be closed: Cookridge Street from Headrow to Great George Street and Headrow from Calverley Street to Cookridge Street on the eastbound carriageway (westbound will remain open).
At the present time the city centre remains quiet and traffic through Leeds is moving well.
Friday, 30th October, 2009
Two planned demonstrations are being held in Leeds City Centre tomorrow (Saturday, October 31st) one by the English Defence League and the other by Unite Against Fascism.
Several thousand people are expected at the two demonstration sites in Victoria Gardens (UAF assembly point) and City Square (EDL assembly point). The UAF has stated it intends to protest between 12 noon and 2.00pm and the EDL from 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
While this will inevitably cause some disruption to the public and the city will be busy, West Yorkshire Police aim to keep that to a minimum, while allowing the groups to exercise their right to protest. The protests are away from the main shopping areas.
From 6am to 7pm the following will be closed:
Cookridge St from Headrow to Great George St and Headrow from Calverley St to Cookridge St, eastbound carriageway (ie westbound carriageway will be open)
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Mark Milsom answers questions regarding the planned demonstrations in Leeds. (Please click the play button, to the bottom left of the screen to begin playback).
“We have been involved in ongoing discussions with both groups about their respective events, our aim being to facilitate peaceful protests, with minimum disruption to the public,” said City & Holbeck Divisional Commander, Chief Supt Mark Milsom.
“We expect there may be some disorder, given previous events elsewhere and have plans in place to deal with that. Because of the EDL focus on Islamic issues, members of the local Muslim communities, particularly younger people, might feel threatened and be tempted into attending.
“This would potentially play into the hands of both groups and I want to reinforce the message we have been taking to those communities. Don’t get drawn in, let the police handle the event, let people stage their protest then go on their way.”
There will be a large police presence on Leeds on Saturday, to manage the protests and reassure the public. Police will take positive action against anyone breaking the law.
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