Police investigating incidents of disorder following demonstrations in Birmingham City Centre yesterday, have charged a 20 year old woman with violent disorder to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday).
Police made a total of 20 arrests yesterday, with 13 supporters of both events being detained for public order offences. Three men remain in custody and the remaining nine men have been bailed while enquiries are ongoing.
Two men aged 26 and 22 have been charged with possessing offensive weapons and have been bailed to appear before Walsall Magistrates Court on August 9. Another two men are still in custody for the same offence.
Two men were cautioned for assaulting police officers and one man was cautioned for theft. One man was arrested for possession of drugs and released on police bail.
Police arrested a woman for breach of the peace and she was later released without charge.
A further arrest was made prior to the protest on Friday 19 July for threats on Facebook. The man was bailed with a curfew put in place so that he was unable to attend Saturday’s protest.
Police enquiries are today ongoing to see whether any other offences were committed during the demonstrations. The wealth of exceptional quality CCTV within the area is likely to provide significant investigative opportunities to bring a large number of offenders to justice for what at times appeared to be serious offences.
There were a total of three hospital admissions for minor injuries, one of which was a police officer who received head injuries after being hit by bricks. He was treated at hospital and later discharged.
Up to 2000 people gathered to support events at two protest locations in the city, with a strong police presence ensuring thousands of people visiting Birmingham could continue to go about their usual business.
Supporters of the EDL gathered in Centenary Square from around 12 noon, with speakers for the group taking to the stage for a short period.
A counter demonstration, in Chamberlain Square, saw people gather and join an event aimed at promoting diversity.
Some disorder was seen at both events during the course of the demonstrations. A small number of protesters and police officers sustained injuries.
Birmingham Police will continue to liaise closely with local communities over the coming days and weeks to ensure yesterday’s events have not adversely affected Birmingham’s reputation as a harmonious city with people of many different cultures living alongside each other in peace.
Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe, commander of yesterday’s policing operation, said: “This has been a successful operation, due in no small part to the excellent work between police, our partner agencies and representatives of our communities. A great deal of time, effort and thought has gone into yesterday’s events and it is reassuring to see that both demonstrations have largely passed off without serious incident.”
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| One of the most disturbing sights at the EDL demonstration was this frightened child. |
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