Police arrest three during English Defence League march
Three people have been arrested in the UK during a protest by the English Defence League in which a police officer suffered cuts to his head after he was hit by an object thrown by the crowd.
Police have said that despite the arrests the demonstration by about 150 people in Oxford city centre, with a counter protest by Unite Against Fascism (UAF), passed off without major incident.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said a 49-year-old man from Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was arrested on suspicion of affray, a 24-year-old man from Bristol was arrested on suspicion of affray and a 44-year-old man, from Summertown, Oxfordshire, was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a police request to leave an area.
The spokesman said: “A Thames Valley Police officer sustained a minor head injury during the operation. He suffered cuts to his head after objects were thrown but is ok.”
Superintendent Christian Bunt said: “I am pleased that these demonstrations have passed off without major incident.
“Disruption was kept to a minimum and we are grateful for the support we received from local businesses and communities.
“There were a few arrests made over the course of the day, however, the majority of those taking part were well behaved.”
