Stay out of Bradford, police chief warns troublemakers (Video)

A SENIOR police officer warned potential troublemakers they would be swiftly punished if they cause problems at demonstrations planned by a far-right group and their opponents in Bradford this weekend.

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, Bradford South divisional commander, told people planning to attend the English Defence League (EDL) and Unite Against Fascism demonstrations on Saturday they were not wanted in the city if they intended to cause trouble.

In a video posted on YouTube, 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." Watch the YouTube video

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added: "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."

Ms Rose also said the reputation of the city was at stake and she would not allow anyone to undermine the good work that had been done in Bradford.

Home Secretary Theresa May authorised a blanket ban on marches in the city, but the two groups are still expected to hold static demonstrations.

Locations 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A community celebration event called Be Bradford - Peaceful Together is also taking place at Infirmary Fields.

A force spokesman said police and other agencies had been planning for all eventualities for a long time and there would be a significant number of officers in the city on Saturday, with a chance of hundreds or thousands of demonstrators present.

He added: "We are trying to facilitate a peaceful protest and that is what we expect from people in Bradford."

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice