EDL rally in Bradford prompts riot police response

A strong counter demonstration began to gather as the EDL were bused in from outside the city. This was eventually pushed back by 1330 hours relatively out of sight from the EDL due to the metal police cordons and green fencing encapsulating the rally.

By 1400 hours missiles, rocks and beer cans were thrown at the media directly behind police lines and at observers and counter protestors who were behind a heavy police presence on Cheapside. Riot police in full gear moved in after smoke grenades were released amid all the panic from the EDL. Following this police forced out the media due to 'safety' reasons and were heavy handed in doing so.

Unite Against Fascism held a counter demonstration at Crown Court Plaza. Although there were a few scuffles in the town centre between locals and the EDL, the UAF were contained and demonstrated peacefully.

There were fears of a repeat of the riots in 2001 as a result of an attempted march by the National Front, where 191 people were arrested with a combined jail time of over 510 years.

Despite the fact that Home Secretary, Theresa May, ordered a blanket ban on marches within the city this did not legally stop the right to assemble and hold a static protest.

A peace vigil was held on Friday, organised by Bradford Together, outside the council offices on Jacobs Well whilst Bradford Women for Peace held a similar event at Ivegate in a show of peace, unity and solidarity.