Transport police are deploying a “significant number of officers” for the EDL march in Middlesbrough later.
Almost 350 EDL supporters have said they will march through the streets of Middlesbrough this afternoon with more considering it.
There have been concerns they may try to march through some of the town’s ethnic minority areas, finishing at the war memorial on Linthorpe Road.
However protesters have been warned anti-social or criminal behaviour at the march will be dealt with by police.
Superintendent Eddie Wylie of British Transport Police (BTP) said: “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all rail users and staff and will be deploying a significant number of officers at Middlesbrough railway station and on the surrounding rail routes.
“Our aim is to keep the station and trains running smoothly and to ensure the environment remains safe for all, including those attending the demonstration.
“We are used to dealing with large numbers of people moving through the rail network and we will be supported by our partners to ensure this event is policed in a highly professional manner.”
Counter demonstrations are also being planned by groups opposed to the EDL.
A group of at least 400 from Teesside People’s Assembly Against Austerity, are aiming to promote cultural diversity and tolerance, and are encouraging those taking part to wear all red.
A spokesman for the anti-EDL group, John Bloom, said: “We want to celebrate Middlesbrough’s diversity, that’s what built this town, it’s what we have always been. Boro folk build bridges, not walls."
The anti-EDL demo will assemble at Ayresome Gardens, off Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, at 11am, opposite the One Life Medical Centre.
The group plans to march along Linthorpe Road to the town centre, ending in a rally outside the House of Fraser store.
Cleveland Police earlier warned members of the public over the planned rallies, saying any anti-social or criminal behaviour at marches will be dealt with robustly by police.
View gallery Gallery: EDL demonstration in Middlesbrough in 2011
View gallery
A spokesman said officers had been working to ensure the event passed peacefully.
Marchers were warned banners, flags and placards that might incite disorder would be banned along with anything that could be used to cause injury or damage.
Face coverings, masks and scarves if used to conceal someone’s identity are also banned and the distribution of leaflets in Middlesbrough town centre is prohibited.
The last demonstration by the EDL which went through Middlesbrough town centre in 2011 passed off peacefully despite it being on the same day as a United Against Fascism march.
No comments:
Post a Comment