Over the weekend, tensions ran high in Lancashire as anti-immigration marches took place in several towns, including Blackpool, Blackburn, Preston, Accrington, and Burnley. While the majority of the events passed off peacefully, there were reports of disturbances and violence in some areas.
In response to the incidents, police have made 10 arrests, with five individuals charged with a range of offenses. The charged individuals are:
- John Robinson, 31, of Quebec Avenue, Blackpool, who has been charged with violent disorder, assault of an emergency worker, racially aggravated criminal damage, and criminal damage. He has been remanded to appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court today (9 August).
- Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, who has been further charged with violent disorder and has also been remanded to appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court today.
- Karl Thompson, 38, of no fixed abode, who has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and has also been remanded to appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court today.
- Daniel Benson, 19, of Benson Road, Blackpool, who has been charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence, and possession of a bladed article. He has also been remanded to appear at Lancaster Magistrates Court today.
- A 15-year-old boy from Fulwood, who cannot be named due to his age, has been charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence and has also been remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates Court today.
In addition to the charged individuals, several others were arrested and released without charge. These include:
- An 18-year-old woman from Blackpool, who was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article but has since been released with no further action.
- A 17-year-old boy from Preston, who was arrested on suspicion of section 5, public order, and has been released under investigation while police continue their enquiries.
- A 20-year-old man, who is currently in custody on suspicion of violent disorder.
- A 17-year-old girl, who is also currently in custody on suspicion of violent disorder.
Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables, who is leading the investigation, said: “These charges and arrests show just how seriously we are taking reports of disorder in Lancashire. It is not, and never will be, acceptable in our county.
“Our investigations are ongoing, and more arrests will be made. We will not tolerate this behavior, and we will identify you, find you, and bring you to justice if you are responsible for these crimes.
“We are continuing to appeal for information, and are asking that if you have any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, to please contact us.
“The safety of the public in these situations is paramount, and our main priority. We will continue to police in a way that puts our communities at the heart of everything we do.”
The police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward and are promising to take action against those responsible. The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more arrests will be made in the coming days.
Background
The anti-immigration marches were organized by a group of individuals who claim to be concerned about the impact of immigration on the local community. However, the events were met with opposition from anti-racism groups and local residents, who argued that the marches were divisive and harmful.
The police had been aware of the planned marches and had taken steps to ensure public safety. However, despite their efforts, there were reports of violence and disorder in some areas.
Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed their shock and disappointment at the events, with many calling for greater action to be taken against those responsible.
“I’m appalled by what happened,” said one local resident. “We’re a community that values diversity and inclusivity, and it’s unacceptable that a group of individuals would try to disrupt that.
“I hope the police take a strong stance against those responsible and that they are held accountable for their actions.”
Police Response
The police have promised to take a robust approach to investigating the incidents and have vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
“We will not tolerate this behavior, and we will identify you, find you, and bring you to justice if you are responsible for these crimes,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Stables.
“We are committed to keeping our communities safe and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and investigate incidents of this nature.”
The police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward and are promising to take action against those responsible. The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more arrests will be made in the coming days.