The communities of Bedford have shown solidarity with their neighbours of all faiths and ethnicities in a show of defiance against possible far-right protests in the area tonight as Bedfordshire Police stand by to act should there be any unrest.
In partnership with Bedfordshire Police, we have agreed not to reshare the exact locations of areas named on an ‘EDL’ target list to help reduce scaremongering and the spread of misinformation.
However, visiting one area tonight, the overall feeling is that Bedford will never be home to racism or any kind of extremism.
Speaking to people gathered outside their places of worship, supported by highly visible police officers in multiple locations, local communities have agreed not to hold any counter-protest so as to let the police do their job if needed.
Those gathered had a sense of apprehension but overall they agreed the overwhelming solidarity shown for all communities highlighted the positives of our diverse Borough.
While nationally the threat of protests has created concern, local police say they are ready to deal swiftly with anyone taking part in or inciting any criminal behaviour.
Earlier today, a spokesperson for the force said they would be dealt with “swiftly and robustly”.
Bedfordshire Police have now issued a video reassuring local people they will be on standby and are “capable and able to respond to any unrest.”
In the video, Chief Superintendant Duncan Young said, “We will not tolerate any unrest within our communities”
Three people were jailed today for a total of seven years between them for their involvement in the Southport, Liverpool riots last weekend.
As reported in the Independent, Prosecutors have now warned those three are just “the tip of the iceberg” in the crackdown on rioters.
