3:20pm Monday 22nd March 2010
POLICE have condemned demonstrators who targeted police lines and barriers and attempted to break away from designated protest areas during demonstrations in Bolton on Saturday.
A large number of protestors, clearly intent on causing disorder, attempted to break free from the agreed site. Large numbers of police officers, including mounted officers and dog handlers were needed to maintain order at various stages.
In total police made 73 arrests on the day. At least 54 were affiliated to the UAF and 17 were affiliated to the EDL after more than 3,500 protesters descended on Bolton town centre.
Deputy Chief Constable Simon Byrne, said: "Everyone has a democratic right to protest. We respect that right and spent nine weeks meticulously planning this event to ensure a demonstration could go ahead safely.
"What we were faced with was hostility and aggression aimed directly at the police and it is clear a large number came to Bolton, not to protest peacefully, but to cause disorder.
"I strongly refute any allegations that my officers were heavy handed and had it not been for the thorough planning and sheer bravery of officers on the day - who prevented what was a clear attempt to cause serious disorder - many people could have been very seriously injured.
"Pleasingly we have received messages of support through our website from members of the public who have praised our efforts."
One person has emailed the force to commend the way 'officers handled what was a very difficult situation', adding police 'were extremely polite and went out of their way to make sure that very few people were hurt'.
Another has said: "From opening my store to closing at the end of the day I can honestly say I never once felt under threat whatsoever thanks totally to ALL your fantastic Police officers!"
1,300 police officers and staff worked on the operation on the day costing an estimated £300,000.
Officers from GMP's Major Incident Team are now reviewing CCTV from the day in an attempt to identify people involved in inciting or committing disorder DCC Byrne added: "The people of Bolton have displayed a real community spirit throughout this and I must praise the way everyone has worked together, specifically community leaders who have helped in the planning and the mediators who gave up their time to help us."
Sean Harriss, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, said:"We'd like to thank the police for their effective and substantial policing operation, which ensured that they were in control and that the demonstrations in Bolton passed off without major incident. We'd also like to thank the residents of Bolton for their restraint, patience and co-operation during the demonstrations.
"There was no damage to any of our monuments or statues and the town centre clean up was completed quickly. The town centre was back to normal and open for business on Sunday as usual."
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