Police arrest three in Oldham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Riot police in Oldham arrested three men yesterday amid fears of clashes between far-right groups and anti-racists.
The National Front said it was considering legal action against police for preventing a demonstration, just days after the British National Party achieved its best general election result, polling more than 11,000 votes in Oldham's two constituencies.
Hundreds of riot police and an estimated 300 members of the Anti-Nazi League gathered in the town centre. Police arrested two white youths for possessing an offensive weapon a roll of coins wrapped in white cloth bearing the name of Combat 18, a violently racist group. An Asian man was arrested for a public order offence after shouting at the protesters.
The National Front had earlier cancelled the protest, due to be held during the town's carnival, claiming police had threatened to arrest any demonstrators found in the area. Instead, about 20 of its members delivered leaflets to homes on estates with predominantly white residents. The group said it had rescheduled its protest for Saturday.
The national activities organiser, Terry Blackham, said the group would meet this week to discuss how to increase its campaign in Oldham, which it now regards as the most important area for its activities.Anti-racist groups had hoped for an improvement in race relations after the worst race riots in Britain for 15 years.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments