Anti-fascist protesters arrest at British National Party rally
AT LEAST 58 anti-fascist protesters were arrested last night after clashes with police at a British National Party rally in central London amid increased tensions following the savage street murder of soldier Lee Rigby.
Tempers flared after about 50 members of the far-Right party gathered outside Parliament yesterday clutching banners and chanting “Hate Preachers Out”.
Around 300 members of Unite Against Fascism staged a counter-protest and were involved in scuffles with police, with several being arrested for public order offences.
Several arrests were also made in Leeds city centre after members of the English Defence League also clashed with anti-fascist groups.
Witnesses said running street fights broke out when a minute’s silence being held by the EDL for the 25-year-old soldier butchered in Woolwich was not respected.
In Sheffield police had to keep EDL and anti-fascist groups apart after a 100-strong mob tried to storm a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of Drummer Rigby.
EDL groups also gathered in Wakefield, Rotherham, Halifax and Doncaster.