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- 4 arrests at EDL march
News Desk
The static protests organised by the English Defence League in east London have passed without major incident to date, according to reports on the ground.
The Metropolitan Police requested assistance from West Mersea and the Welsh constabularies to help police the event, which was feared would provoke a violent reaction from Muslim groups in east London.
The police issued a statement at 5:25pm 3/9/11 that said:
"It is believed that the group who were in opposition to the EDL protest have now dispersed.
As of 16:45hrs there have been a total of five arrests for offences including affray, possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly."
The Metropolitan Police said earlier that "two groups who indicated that they wished to protest, officers from the Met are today (3 September) facilitating two static demonstrations in east London."
"One group of approximately 1000 people are gathered by Aldgate Tube. This group is believed to be members of EDL. A separate group of around 1500 people have gathered in Whitechapel Road, junction with Aldgate East. We believe this group is mainly in opposition to the EDL protest. Both protests are currently peaceful."
A robust and proportionate policing plan is in place to facilitate peaceful protest, prevent disorder and minimise disruption on the local communities. We are committed to taking action against anyone who engages in criminal acts. We continue to appeal for people to remain calm.
There have been a total of four arrests so far today for offences including affray, possession of drugs and drunk and disorderly. photo credit: The London Daily News
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