EDL protest underway

Archived press release

Date Published: 01/05/10

Around 800 supporters of the EDL are now gathered in Aylesbury Market Square to hold their protest.

The Market Square has been closed and various roads within the ring road are also closed - Walton Street, New Street and ring road - as part of the measures in place to ensure the safety of the public.

On the whole, the protest is taking place peacefully. However, there has been some disorder by EDL protesters trying to surge through police lines. This is being contained by officers.

Local Area Commander Supt Richard List said: “It is disappointing that the EDL has not continued to protest in a peaceful manner.”

Before the protesters reached Market Square, there were nine arrests, eight on suspicion of carrying offensive weapons and one for a section 5 public order offence. The ambulance service has not been called upon to deal with any injuries.

Around 75 UAF supporting gathered in Vale Park earlier in the day, but most have now left.

The number of EDL protestors is lower than the EDL were expecting or that witnessed in previous EDL protest locations. However, Supt List explained, “We are pleased that so far the operation has worked well and that’s the way we plan to keep it.

“Based on the experience of other towns, it was essential that the police with the support of its partners was geared up to deal with as many protesters as turned up. We made it very clear to the EDL at the outset that we would not tolerate any disorder on the day and that there would be a significant police presence. The police operation will continue until we are totally satisfied that there are no risks or threats to public safety.”

At the end of the protest which is expected to be 4.30pm, the EDL will be escorted back to their coaches and railway station to leave town.

Thames Valley Police is maintaining a strong presence around the area of the mosque as part of the reassurance strategy.

The Bucks Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending an incident at Aylesbury railway station where there has been a small chemical spillage. This is not believed to be suspicious or linked to the protest. The opening of the station should be unaffected by this incident.

This press release was issued by Thames Valley Police, AVDC, Buckinghamshire County Council and Aylesbury Town Council.