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News Desk
Static demonstrations organised by the English Defence League in east London has led to a total of 60 arrests according to the most recent police reports. In total 60 people were arrested as part of the policing of two static demonstrations in east London.
Initially 16 people were arrested for a variety of offences including affray, drunk and disorderly and assault on a police officer.
Subsequently 44 people on a coach were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and are currently in custody at London police stations.
More than 3,000 officers were made available amid fears of violence and clashes with opposition groups including Unite Against Fascism. Police vans from forces including Wales, West Mersea, Cumbria, Lancashire and Grampian were deployed.
Trouble started when Stephen "Tommy" Lennon the EDL's leader, addressed a chanting crowd, many of whom had worn banners and flags:
"I'm meant to sign on at a police station on a Saturday, I'm not doing that. I'm not allowed to go to a demonstration, I'm not doing that.
"That's what's going to happen and when I go to court if they let me out of court with any bail conditions that restrict my democratic right to oppose militant Islam, I will break them the minute I walk out."
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