EDL Birmingham demo passes without incident

It has been two months since Birmingham became a host of cities which were hit by the riots which gripped the nation.

In a bid to try and inflame further violence, the English Defence League decided to hold their rally in the city this weekend, probably hoping to spark off the same kind of troubles which took place two years ago when they last visited Birmingham.

Back in 2009, there were running battles between EDL supporters and anti-facist protestors who were holding counter-demonstrations.

But the EDL's "big" demonstration in the Second City turned out to be a damp squib, with rain and a heavy police presence dousing any trouble.

Four people were arrested by police; two were arrested for possessing an offensive weapon, one for possession of cannabis and one held over an outstanding warrant.

The EDL were expecting big numbers to attend but only around 300-500 were there to witness the two-hour demonstration before being marched back to their coaches.

The demonstration did have the usual elements of what is expected when the EDL rolls into town; offensive chanting, drinking and disturbing the peace as well as glass and fireworks being thrown.

But trouble was largely avoided between the EDL and the people of Birmingham mainly due to a lot of work done by the community leaders.

Asst Chief Con Marcus Beale, who was in charge of the policing operation, said,

“This was a successful operation, due in no small part to the excellent work with our partner agencies and representatives of our communities.”