28 arrested after EDL protest

Twenty-eight people have been arrested following disorder during a demonstration by the English Defence League (EDL), police said.

Up to 1,000 people took part in the EDL event and a counter-demonstration in Walsall on Saturday the 29th September. 

The arrests came after minor disorder which lasted for about 10 minutes as the EDL demonstration in Leicester Street came to a close. A number of protesters and police officers suffered minor cuts and bruises but no serious injuries were reported. 

Eyewitnesses tweeted that bottles, bins and bricks were thrown during the disorder. A counter-demonstration was held in Gallery Square. 

Chief Superintendent Dave Sturman, commander for Walsall and in charge of the policing operation, 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 bit more aggressive and there was minor disorder for around 10 minutes. 

''Arrests were made where necessary and further inquiries will be made to determine if any others offences were committed. 

''That said, this has generally been a successful operation, due in no small part to the excellent work between police, our partner agencies and representatives of our communities.'' 

He added that there had been mediation with the EDL and counter- protest organisers ahead of the demonstrations.