Nine Arrests After Newcastle Demo

21 March 2015, 19:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Nine people have been arrested for public order offences after two flags were burned during a far-right demonstration.

Around 100 people took part in the two-hour event held by far-right group National Action on the Quayside, in Newcastle, this afternoon (Saturday 21st March)

Northumbria Police said the arrests included offences relating to inciting racial hatred.

Around 70 people held a counter-demonstration.

A force spokesman said:
"Both demonstrations passed without any significant disruption.

However, a number of arrests were made for public order offences, including offences relating to inciting racial hatred after two flags were burned during the event.''

Assistant Chief Constable Winton Keenen, of Northumbria Police, said:
"The majority of people attending this event did so peacefully. However, there were a number whose behaviour was unacceptable resulting in nine people being arrested.

We simply will not tolerate people engaging in behaviour that could negatively impact on our communities and will take positive action against those who do.

We have an excellent relationship with our vast and diverse communities with great community cohesion, not just in Newcastle but across the force area.

I'd like to thank the local community and businesses for their cooperation during today's events.''