BBC News reports on the English Defence League demonstration in Walsall at the weekend in which 28 people were arrested.

From BBC News:

“Police have made 28 arrests following a demonstration by the English Defence League (EDL) in Walsall town centre.

“West Midlands Police said up to 1,000 people gathered at the EDL event and at a counter-demonstration.

“Witnesses said a small number suddenly charged the police cordon and threw bottles, bricks, and dustbins.

“EDL supporters met in Leicester Street from mid-morning, with speakers taking to the stage during the afternoon.

“A counter-event of 500 people took place in Gallery Square.

“The arrests followed minor disorder which lasted for about 10 minutes as the EDL event ended, police said.

“Ch Supt Dave Sturman, commander for Walsall, said: "The majority of people attending the two demonstrations were peaceful and law abiding. Unfortunately a small number of people at the Leicester Street site became a little more aggressive and there was minor disorder for around ten minutes.”

Disorder and arrests at EDL protests are a regular occurrence with protests having lead to arrests in Chelmsford, Bristol and Newcastle in recent months. Prior to the protest in Walsall, Assistant Chief Constable for West Midlands Police, Garry Forsyth, stated that the EDL’s protests were not welcome due to their significant drain on police resources, adding that these resources “would be better placed in neighbourhoods tackling the crimes which matter most to local people.”