EDL At Walsall: A Summary

We’ve put together a summary of the English Defence League (EDL) marching in Walsall on the 29th of September 2012. Their presence proved to do more damage than anything good.

Community concerns: The majority of the Walsall community didn’t want the EDL protesting. Police had carefully planned to keep the protest areas safe. People fear for the areas reputation after the EDL being there.

Public disorder: Demonstrations were rather peaceful until a small group started causing havoc. EDL supporters began throwing objects at police, such as bottles, wooden planks and even a bin.

Photo: ITV Central

Damage to public property: Property was damaged, including that of a pub, which council workers had to clean up. A few EDL supporters threw rocks through a window. Damage was caused to St Matthew's Hall. After the protest, council chiefs said graffiti, litter and debris was found around the area.

EDL supporters hurt eachother: Various EDL supporters and protest stewards were hurt, mostly due to supporters throwing objects. One steward even acknowledged that EDL supporters did it (here). A woman also claimed she was hit on the head with a brick (here).

Arrests: More than 20 arrests were made and further enquiries will be investigated.

Walsall trade damaged: Black cab services in town were suspended over safety concerns. At the time of the protest, many shops lost trade. One fruit and veg stand owner reported by the BBC said “We lost a valuable whole day's trade.”

Lies: Right-wing bloggers and EDL affiliate groups claimed a 400-man ‘Muslim mob’ was causing mayhem, even though evidence suggests such a ‘400-man’ group didn’t even exist (here). The EDL even began blaming the police for attacks, even though EDL supporters were captured throwing things at police. Like below.