Police investigating the far-right protest that took place in York on Saturday (May 28) have issued an appeal for video footage and information.
Detectives are appealing to any members of the public who were present and have taken video footage of the protest to contact them.
Officers were monitoring the protest when they responded to a disturbance near York Minster involving a group of protestors and members of the public.
Police brought the situation under control and arrested four of the protestors and one member of the public.
The rest of the protest group, who are believed to have travelled from various areas of the country, were escorted back to York railway station by police officers to prevent any further disturbances.
More arrests possible
Enquiries into the incident are continuing to identify any further offences and officers have not ruled out making any further arrests.
To aid their investigation, officers are appealing to anyone who took footage of the protest or witnessed the incident, to contact them.
How to help the police
Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for DC Ian Richardson | |
Or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 |
Quote reference number 12160093428 |
The 27-year-old man from York who was arrested at the time, was released without charge.
A 25-year-old man from Weymouth who was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace and for failing to supply his details, was issued with a caution.
The three others, a 25-year-old man from West Bromwich was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offence.
A 31-year-old man from Horley, Surrey was arrested on suspicion of using threatening words/behaviour. A 21-year-old man from Swansea was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.
They have all been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Strong city message
Meanwhile the new Lord Mayor, Cllr Dave Taylor, is one of a number of signatories to a letter condemning the neo-Nazi demonstration.
The letter, also signed by Cllr Keith Aspden, deputy leader of City of York Council, Barbara Lodge of the York Amnesty Group, and Jane Carter of York Stand Up To Racism, among others was published in the York Press.
It stated:
The roll of honour at York St John University alone lists 54 members of that institution who died fighting the Nazis.
These fascists also claimed that ‘Refugees are not Welcome’. They are wrong. Over a five year period, York is offering sanctuary to 60 refugees fleeing the slaughter of the war in Syria.
Faith groups and the voluntary and community sector have joined the city council to state clearly that refugees are welcome here.
We need to protect the democratic traditions so many died to uphold. Masked fascists with a message of hate have no place on the streets of our city.