Stay away from Dudley, EDL thugs are told
English Defence League supporters were today warned to stay away from Dudley if they plan to cause trouble – as it emerged up to 2,000 are expected at a protest on Saturday.
Extra officers are being drafted into protect potential flash points including mosques and temples for the EDL rally.
EDL members are protesting against the long-running saga of a new mosque being built in the town. They will gather outside Dudley Council House, in Priory Street, from the morning ahead of a main rally between 1pm and 3pm.
But police say they will be ready to clamp down on any disorder to quell a repeat of the violent scenes during an EDL protest in the town in 2010.
Back then houses and cars were damaged, missiles were hurled at officers and steel fences were pulled down during clashes between demonstrators and police.
Dudley police commander Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson said 'lessons were learned' from previous protests.
"Dudley is a safe place and if people are coming to protest peacefully then that's one thing, if people are coming and contemplating disorder then I would ask to them to keep away," he said.
Police will stay in regular contact with pub owners and managers to head off any trouble and say shoppers and people living around the town should carry on as normal.
Mr Johnson said officers have spoken to traders to reassure them but say it is down to individual businesses as to whether they open.
He said police have been looking at ways to secure areas such as Dudley Central Mosque on the day.
"What we have been doing over the last few weeks is to ensure the safety and security of those places," he said. "We are absolutely clear that February 7, the day the EDL come, will be a big day for the town. It will be a big day because of the history, because of the previous event, but in itself it is also a big policing operation."
Mr Johnson added: "The only idea on numbers we have got is what they tell us, and they tell us in the order of 1,500 to 2,000. But there is no science to that number."
Police expect the main EDL protest to take place between 1pm and 3pm but Mr Johnson said officers aim to ensure a 'swift' conclusion to the protest after that time.
