Police use internet video to warn-off troublemakers ahead of Bradford demos
Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, Bradford South divisional commander, told people planning to attend the English Defence League (EDL) and
Unite Against Fascism demonstrations in Bradford today they were not wanted in the city if they intended to cause trouble.
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Hide AdIn the video, she said: "What I do want to emphasise is that anyone coming into the city on Saturday intent on causing harm, intent on committing any kind of criminal activity, will be dealt with properly and quickly by West Yorkshire Police and by the criminal justice system in Bradford.
"We do not want anyone with that intent anywhere near Bradford on Saturday and we will do our absolute best – whether that is through
CCTV coverage or through the very effective policing plan in operation on Saturday – to bring those people to justice very quickly."
Home Secretary Theresa May authorised a blanket ban on marches in the city, but the two groups are still expected to hold static demonstrations.
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Hide AdLocations have been confirmed, with the EDL demonstration taking place in the city's Urban Gardens, while Unite Against Fascism/We Are Bradford will hold a protest at the Crown Court Plaza.
A community celebration event called Be Bradford – Peaceful Together is also taking place at Infirmary Fields.
Police and other agencies have been planning for all eventualities for a long time and there will be a significant number of officers in the city today.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We are trying to facilitate a peaceful protest and that is what we expect from people in Bradford."