Seven arrests as police target planned Rotherham protest

South Yorkshire Police said it had prevent members of the South East Alliance (SEA) and other groups from protesting in Rotherham today after information posted on social media suggested a demonstration was planned. Officers said the Force had received no formal notification of a protest.

Officers said a significant number of people tried to travel into the county by car, coach and by rail. Twelve vehicles were prevented from entering Rotherham, nine from within South Yorkshire and three from outside the county.

Seven people were arrested as part of the operation, six men and one woman aged between 17 and 42-years-old, for public order, breach of the peace and breach of bail offences. The woman was later de-arrested and issued with a dispersal notice.

As a result of this action, no protest took place in Rotherham.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Holt, Gold Commander for the operation said: “From the start of today’s operation it was always our intention to use these robust tactics to prevent groups of people intent on disorder from entering the county.

“A significant number of people travelled to South Yorkshire to protest who we felt we could reasonably judge would engage in violence, disorder or damage.

“We hope today’s operation has sent out a clear message to right-wing groups intent on causing disorder that we will take a no-nonsense approach and will do everything within our power to prevent disruption to the lives of the public of South Yorkshire.”