Protest Arrests

25 April 2011, 08:24 | Updated: 25 April 2011, 08:31

Sunday, 24 April saw a March for England and a counter-protest group take to the streets of Brighton & Hove. The number of protesters is thought to have been around 300 in total.


Both groups of protesters gathered at assigned locations outside Brighton Railway Station at around midday. They marched along separate routes, guided by police to Victoria Gardens where they arrived at around 1.15pm. The organisations were able to hold their rallies due to officers maintaining a distance between both groups. The protest marches then made their way back to Queens Road, eventually dispersing at around 3pm.

Superintendent Steve Whitton said: "I am pleased with how the policing of today's protest marches has gone. Having had dialogue with the organisers of March of England in the run up to today's demonstrations enabled us to establish their intentions which were adhered to and in turn minimilised disruption to the city. Unfortunatley the counter-protesters did not engage with us and therefore it was necessary to have support from neighbouring police forces and British Transport Police.

"The Sussex Police helicopter played a crucial role in the policing of today's demonstration and counter-demonstration, helping to provide a safe environment for both protesters and the public. The camera on the helicopter provided a unique view not only of the protest, but wider area, helping to keep traffic moving and minimise disruption in the city for residents, visitors and businesses. Police will continue to maintain a visible presence in the city this evening."

There were a total of eight arrests today, the majority for public order offences and are currently in custody awaiting interview.

Two men aged 54 and 48, both from Brighton and a 20-year-old man from Worthing were all arrested on suspicion of refusing to protest in a designated area, an offence under Section 14 of the Public Order Act.

A 23-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

A 21-year-old man from Fareham, Hampshire, has been arrested on suspicion of using offensive language in a public place, an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act.

A 23-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of common assault, after allegedly spitting at another man.

A 23-year-old man of no fixed address has been arrested under Section 14 for allegedly refusing to leave an area when told to do so by officers.

A 43-year-old man who refused to provide his address has been arrested under Section 14 for allegedly antagonising opposing protesters.Both groups of protesters gathered at assigned locations outside Brighton Railway Station at around midday. They marched along separate routes, guided by police to Victoria Gardens where they arrived at around 1.15pm. The organisations were able to hold their rallies due to officers maintaining a distance between both groups. The protest marches then made their way back to Queens Road, eventually dispersing at around 3pm.

Superintendent Steve Whitton said: "I am pleased with how the policing of today's protest marches has gone. Having had dialogue with the organisers of March of England in the run up to today's demonstrations enabled us to establish their intentions which were adhered to and in turn minimilised disruption to the city. Unfortunatley the counter-protesters did not engage with us and therefore it was necessary to have support from neighbouring police forces and British Transport Police.

"The Sussex Police helicopter played a crucial role in the policing of today's demonstration and counter-demonstration, helping to provide a safe environment for both protesters and the public. The camera on the helicopter provided a unique view not only of the protest, but wider area, helping to keep traffic moving and minimise disruption in the city for residents, visitors and businesses. Police will continue to maintain a visible presence in the city this evening."

There were a total of eight arrests today, the majority for public order offences and are currently in custody awaiting interview.

Two men aged 54 and 48, both from Brighton and a 20-year-old man from Worthing were all arrested on suspicion of refusing to protest in a designated area, an offence under Section 14 of the Public Order Act.

A 23-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

A 21-year-old man from Fareham, Hampshire, has been arrested on suspicion of using offensive language in a public place, an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act.

A 23-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of common assault, after allegedly spitting at another man.

A 23-year-old man of no fixed address has been arrested under Section 14 for allegedly refusing to leave an area when told to do so by officers.

A 43-year-old man who refused to provide his address has been arrested under Section 14 for allegedly antagonising opposing protesters.