Police reveal number of arrests after Sheffield Patriots and anti-racism protests
Police said they will review footage to decide on further action and arrests
Police have revealed the number of arrests made after rival protests involving the Sheffield Patriots and an anti-racism counter-protest took place in Sheffield city centre today (26 September).
The demonstrations began around midday on Saturday, September 26, with both groups gathering in the city before the Patriots began a march through the centre towards Sheffield Station.
The protests concluded at around 4pm, with both groups beginning to leave the area, South Yorkshire Police said.
One person has been arrested after rival protests involving the Sheffield Patriots and an anti-racism counter-protest took place in Sheffield city centre.
The person arrested was detained this morning on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and remains in police custody.
Hundreds of people were in the city centre during the demonstrations, with officers deployed from across the region as part of the policing operation.
The Sheffield Patriots marched from the Peace Gardens through the city centre to Sheffield Station, while Sheffield Communities Against Racism and Fascism (SCARF) organised a counter-protest.
As the march progressed, protesters and counter-protesters gathered in different parts of the city centre, with police working to keep the groups apart.
The demonstrations included chants and banners from both sides, while the march attracted crowds of people watching from the streets.
South Yorkshire Police said the protest had "passed largely without incident", with the majority of attendees engaging with officers.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "The protest and counter-protest which has been taking place in Sheffield city centre today (26 September) has now drawn to a conclusion, and both groups are beginning to leave the area.
"The protest passed largely without incident, with the majority of attendees engaging with our officers.
"One person was arrested this morning on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. They remain in our custody at this time.
"Our primary focus today was on public safety and ensuring a peaceful day for all those involved. While only one arrest has been made so far today, our officers will be looking to review footage captured to see if any further action needs to be taken.
"We would like to thank the wider public for your patience for the minor disruption while we worked to move both groups throughout the city.
"Our neighbourhood officers will continue to be in and around the city throughout the afternoon and into this evening. Please do stop and speak to them if you have any concerns, they are there to listen and help where they can."
Ahead of the demonstrations, South Yorkshire Police said officers had been in contact with organisers and had plans in place to maintain public safety.
The force had also confirmed legal conditions would be in place during the protests, including restrictions on face coverings in the designated area.
Police said their role would be to balance the rights of those wishing to protest with the impact on other people in the city centre.
The force said it would aim to prevent crime and disorder and respond proportionately where any occurred.