SUSSEX Police has confirmed no arrests have even made during the protests in Brighton and Hastings on Wednesday evening (August 7).
There was a large police presence in the Queens Road, Brighton, and Cambridge Gardens in Hastings in response to planned protests by far-right groups.
There were reports of 100 planned demonstrations across the country, and this spread fear and panic in targeted areas as residents braced for unrests and mayhem.
However, anti-immigration group numbers were greatly outnumbered by anti-racism supporters who came out in full force in Brighton and Hastings.
This is the #Brighton I know & love so much 💚💚💚
Our city will stand firm against any attempts to bring violent racism, Islamophobia, division and hatred to our streets #Brighton https://t.co/3ua0bwMBYj
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) August 7, 2024
Sussex Police said while no arrests have been made, but authorities will continue to monitor the situation in coming days to prevent public disorder.
They issued the following statement: “Sussex Police stood up a large policing operation in response to potential criminal disorder on Wednesday evening and deployed officers to Brighton and Hastings.
“In Brighton, we saw approximately 2,000 people attend Queens Road. A peaceful protest took place. There was a significant police presence and there were no incidents of note and no arrests.
“In Hastings, we saw approximately 400 members of the public attend Cambridge Gardens. A peaceful protest took place.
“The protest was monitored by police officers. There were no incidents of note and no arrests.”
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said: “We would like to thank communities for their support, engagement and providing information to help us keep communities safe.
“There will be a continued police presence and additional policing resources in coming days to maintain peace and prevent disorder.
“We have now stood down from Queens Road, Brighton, where around 2,000 members of the public who gathered this evening for a peaceful protest, have now dispersed.
“We had a significant police presence and there were no incidents of note and no arrests.
“We would like to thank the community for their support, engagement and providing information to help us keep people safe.
“The message remains the same. Anyone planning to take part in criminal disorder in Sussex will regret their actions. Do not do it. Our officers are mobilised and fully prepared, and the ramifications for those involved will stretch far beyond the conclusion of any incidents.
“Please do speak to local officers for reassurance and report any concerns to the police via the usual channels – online, through 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.”
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