Wellington EDL rally passes off peacefully
Between 300 and 350 demonstrators from the English Defence League (EDL) gathered at Church Street in Wellington Town Centre this the afternoon and about 200 to 250 supporters of a ‘unity rally' gathered nearby.
West Mercia Police said by the time the assemblies had dispersed at around 3pm there had been only around half a dozen arrests for offences such as public order, possession of offensive weapons and breach of bail.
A number of further sporadic incidents had taken place as demonstrators left the town later in the afternoon which led to a number of further arrests, mainly for public order offences. Including three people being arrested for assaults on three police officers, none of whom were seriously hurt.
Those arrested are currently being processed at police stations in Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Chief Inspector Keith Gee of West Mercia Police said: "There were few problems during the build-up to and during the assemblies and there have been no reports of damage to property or serious injury.
"The success of the operation is due to a number of factors, not least the support from Telford & Wrekin Council in preparing the town for today's event and the co-operation of the public.
"The planning for this day began just a month ago with many officers and staff working extremely long hours to sort out the logistics, meeting with other force colleagues, partners, businesses, community leaders to name but a few.
"Hundreds of officers and staff were involved in policing the protest including colleagues from neighbouring and other forces and we owe them a huge debt of thanks for their support.
"The fact that we have been able to deal with the biggest policing operation in West Mercia in recent times while at the same time managing to continue with our core business of prevention and detection of crime speaks volumes.”
Chief Inspector Gee said that in the main supporters of both rallies had been good natured.
Council leader Kuldip Sahota said: "This was a fantastic effort by council officers, West Mercia Police and the whole community of Wellington.
"I realise that this has been a stressful time for everybody but the fact that the demonstrations have largely passed off peacefully vindicates every decision that Telford & Wrekin Council and West Mercia Police have taken."
Policing Commander for Telford and Wrekin, Superintendent Gary Higgins said this evening: "There were some isolated incidents following the assemblies as people made their way out of the town centre but our officers on the ground responded to these and dealt with them quickly and robustly.
"The town is calm and things are returning to normal."
