Police issue statement after arrests during Sheffield city centre protest march
Arrests made during protest march in city centre
Police have confirmed arrests were made during today’s right wing protest march through Sheffield city centre.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed in a statement this evening that six arrests were made during the march by Raise the Colours, which also attracted a left-wing counter-protest.
Officers say their policing operation today, which saw scores of officers on the streets, was in place along with legal conditions which were imposed under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 in order to ensure public safety.
They confirmed the protest and counter-protest had now ended and both groups had dispersed safely.
Three men, aged, 26, 32, 36, and one man whose age is unknown, were arrested on suspicion of public order offences.
A 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, and a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault of an emergency worker.
Superintendent Charlotte Bloxham said: "First and foremost I would like to thank members of the public, businesses within Sheffield city centre, and our partners for their support today.
“I understand that protests can cause disruption, and we will always aim to minimise such disruption while enabling people to protest peacefully and lawfully.
"The operation was complicated by a counter protest group which did not adhere to conditions in place, however our officers were able to safely manage the protest and counter protest throughout.
"Those who did not remain peaceful were dealt with appropriately.
"We respect the rights of everyone to take part in lawful and peaceful protests, but we will not tolerate criminality or anti-social behaviour."