Britain First march: Police say they’ve made 3 arrests, including one Luton man

THREE men have been arrested in connection with today’s Britain First demonstration.

Bedfordshire Police said a 38-year-old man from Luton was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and a 48-year-old man from London on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Another man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and being drunk and disorderly.

All three men are in police custody.

The police said around 250 people in total took part in the Britain First march and opposing protests by Unite Against Fascism.

Chief Superintendent David Boyle, who helped lead the policing operation around the demonstrations, said: “We are pleased that today’s demonstrations passed without any issues.

“In the weeks leading up to today we thoroughly prepared our operational response to all eventualities, and the concerns of the community have been paramount throughout.

“We respect that people have the right to protest peacefully and will always help facilitate that right, but will not tolerate anyone causing anti-social behaviour or intimidation on our streets.

“The powers afforded to us by yesterday’s High Court injunction consolidated our ability to protect the residents of Luton from any alarm or distress.

“We would like to thank the people of the town for their patience and co-operation in the build up to these events and throughout today.”

Cllr Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “I am pleased that today’s events passed off without incident and that Luton has immediately returned to normal, which is testament to the hard work of the Council, police and all our community partners across Luton.

“I am proud of the dignified response to these unwelcome visitors and it was pleasing to see that Lutonians were able to go about their normal daily business in the rest of the town centre.”

Cllr Jacqui Burnett, the councillor responsible for community cohesion, added: “I am pleased that Bedfordshire Police took the views of the community seriously and successfully achieved the injunction at the High Court.”