Extra police called in as Halifax race protest turns ugly

Roads into Halifax were closed and as chanting protesters roamed the streets police urged businesses to close immediately and lock doors.

Terrified shoppers went home while others sought safety behind the locked doors of town centre businesses. Acting Superintendent Martin Lister said later a “minority seemed intent on causing disorder”.

Members of the Far-Right protest group broke away from the Bull Green area where police attempted to contain them.

Police on horseback and others with batons drawn prevented breakaway EDL members from leaving the town during confrontations which lasted around six hours.

Fourteen men, mostly EDL supporters, were arrested for public order offences.

Police said the EDL protest involved around 150 people and a separate protest by the Muslim Defence League, which centred on People’s Park, attracted around 50.

Shoppers and those gathered to watch the afternoon’s FA Cup football left for home as large groups of EDL members and police took over the Bull Green area.

A 19-year-old nursery nurse, who asked not to be named, was shopping when she saw the crowds heading past Liquid nightclub to Bull Green roundabout.

She said: “It was really very scary. There were hundreds of them coming up the street, shouting.”

Teacher Beth Harvey, 22, said: “I was having coffee in a cafe when, on police advice, the owners locked the door and brought all the street furniture in from outside.

“It was nerve-wracking. We were locked in for about half an hour and nobody else was allowed in.

“I decided to go home as quickly as possible because things were turning ugly. As I walked back to the car they were chanting and shouting and I didn’t know what they might do.”

Witnesses described police officers pursuing protesters through the streets. Police described the protests as having caused “minimal disruption”.

A police spokesman said the demonstrations “passed peacefully” thanks to a large police presence which, at its height, reached 200 officers from across West Yorkshire.

He said an EDL protester became ill during the protest but refused to go to hospital. It was later rumoured he had died at home but there was no further information about this.

Acting Superintendent Lister, who commanded the operation, said: “Our officers enjoyed a tremendous response to today’s operation from the local public which ensured that today’s demonstrations could both pass peacefully without disorder, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents and businesses of Halifax for this.

“Although it has to be said that a minority seemed intent on causing disorder, the majority of those taking part demonstrated peacefully and with respect for the rights of other people within our community.”

Halifax Labour Councillor Arshad Mahmood said: “EDL have tried to spark a situation and create a bad image for the town.

“It obviously affected business, that is why I totally condemn them.”

He praised the police for keeping rival groups apart.

“The police response was very good. ”