Police probe launched into organisation of masked protest in Sheffield
“They are currently investigating if any applicable statutory requirements relating to the protest were complied with”
A Sheffield MP says police are investigating whether organisers of a protest through the streets of a Sheffield suburb complied with statutory requirements.
The incident on Sunday, October 11, saw hundreds of people dressed all in black, some wearing masks or sporting face paint, walking through Darnall in a protest against Lindburg Coach Travel.
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At the time, police said that the “event largely passed without incident,” however there were reports of criminal damage with graffiti daubed on the road outside the coach company.
A community meeting was subsequently organised by Stand Up to Racism on Monday, October 12, where councillor Zahira Naz said that residents had been “petrified” by the unannounced visit.
Local MP Clive Betts has now said that since the incident he has spoken to local councillors, South Yorkshire Police and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kilvinder Vigurs about the matter.
The Labour MP said: “From those conversations SYP did not have any prior notice form intelligence gathering that this march was going to take place. I have requested that they investigate this and ensure intelligence gathering is robust to counter any repeat of this.
“They are currently investigating if any applicable statutory requirements relating to the protest were complied with and whether any criminal offenses were committed by organisers or participants. This includes consideration of individual conduct during the protest and the wider circumstances surrounding the event.
“Information was gathered at the march itself to ensure intelligence about any future marches which I welcome.
“They are also working nationally to ensure this does not become a repeat occurrence.”