Four arrests, hundreds of police, a couple of hundred EDL supporters and many more in opposition
| Posted: November 16, 2013
More than a thousand people turned out to show their opposition to a far-right group that staged a rally in Exeter.
Four people were arrested as more than 200 people travelled from across the country for the English Defence League (EDL) march in the city this afternoon.
But 700 people, under the banner of Exeter Together, paraded down the streets in the morning to condemn the EDL. The numbers supporting the group later swelled to over 1,000.
Councillor Pete Edwards, leader of Exeter City Council, hailed the counter demonstration as “great” for the city, saying it showed people were willing “to stand together against racism and fascism”.
A mounted police unit from South Wales were among a total of 400 officers from as far away as Birmingham who were tasked with patrolling the activities.
Chief Inspector Jim Gales, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “This sizeable event passed-off safely and we would say it’s been a success. We have had to intervene at times to prevent outbreaks of disorder, making a very small number of arrests.
“But what we have been able to do is to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and allow the inhabitants of Exeter to go about their daily business safely.”
A 21-year-old Exeter man, was arrested on Friday and later charged with the possession of an offensive weapon in a public place as well as the possession of a class A drug. He has been bailed and is due to attend appear before magistrates on December 3.
A 30-year-old Exeter man remains in custody after being found in possession of an offensive weapon on Queen Street this afternoon.
A 48-year-old Exeter man and another man were arrested separately for alcohol-related offences.
Some 225 EDL supporters gathered at the Locomotive pub on New North Road before marching along the road, down Queen Street to Rougemont Gardens flanked by police.
Angry exchanges took place between opponents and protestors who chanted “You're English no more” and “whose streets, our streets” as they marched.
Leading figures - including MP Ben Bradshaw and the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Rev Jonathan Draper - were among a total of 1,000 people from a range of country’s and ethnic backgrounds who signed-up to support the counter march.
Ghee Bowman, of Exeter Woodcraft Folk, said: “Exeter is a city that is full of different kinds of people of all different religions and races, and they are all welcome here.”
The lobby gathered at Belmont Park this morning before marching along the streets to Bedford Square where a range of speakers and entertainers were performing.
Spokesman Hannah Packham said: “Our celebration went against the politics of hatred and lies that the EDL were trying to bring into Exeter. It was a real sign Exeter can unite in its diversity.
“The turnout, the atmosphere and the reception from the shoppers has just been amazing.”
Read more: http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/arrests-EDL-national-demonstration-held-Exeter/story-20090245-detail/story.html#ixzz2krfr0PQj
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