Surprise EDL demo in Bradford

A small group of around 30 EDL supporters held an impromptu demonstration in the centre of Bradford today. The group had congregated at the Queen pub, next to the interchange in the city centre.

The group, composed mainly of 18-20 year old white youths were penned into the pub by a heavy police contingent including several FIT squads. One of the police officers nearby was overheard saying that around 1800 police were on standby in the city. When asked to confirm this, another officer replied that he was a traffic policeman, and had been ordered to wear a padded uniform and attend the demonstration at short notice. This officer refused to comment on whether the police had any prior warning of this demonstration.

Waving EDL flags and chanting outside the pub as they were led away at around 6.30pm to the train station by the police, the group met no resistance from local UAF groups who were taken by surprise by their appearance in the city. As the EDL were led away, some groups had begun to congregate in the nearby centenary square but the city remained peaceful.

More information and pictures to follow.

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