Police issue update ahead of rival left and right wing protests in Sheffield city centre
Protests planned for Saturday, with rival groups expected in city centre
Police are pledging to prevent crime and disorder spilling onto the streets of Sheffield at a city centre protest at the weekend.
The right wing group Sheffield Patriots and the left wing organisation Sheffield Communities Against Racism and Fascism (SCARF), are planning demonstrations in the city centre on Saturday, September 26.
South Yorkshire Police have now confirmed that they will be policing the two protests, and aim to prevent crime and disorder and where it does occur, ‘proportionately respond’ to any disorder.
The Sheffield Patriots March is expected to start at 12noon, and to head to Sheffield Station.
SCARF has confirmed it will run a counterprotest.
South Yorkshire police said in a statement: “We are aware of planned protests and counter-protest taking place in Sheffield city centre this Saturday (26 September).
“Our officers are in contact with organisers, and policing plans are in place around the protests to maintain public safety and provide reassurance to the public.
“As with all planned protests, our role will be to balance the rights of those who wish to protest with those who may be impacted by it. We will aim to prevent crime and disorder and where it does occur, proportionately respond to any disorder.”
Police also say they would encourage anyone with concerns on the day of the protests to speak to uniformed officers while they are in the area as they will there to help and support all communities.
They added anyone who experiences any threatening behaviour or becomes concerned for their own safety, should contact police on 101, or call 999 in an emergency.