Fourteen people were arrested in the centre of Brighton when two demonstrations were held today.
The arrests were for public order offences, assault and to prevent a breach of the peace.
They came as about 250 protesters took part in an English Nationalists Alliance (ENA) march and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) counter-protest, starting at lunchtime.
Sussex Police tried to ensure that both protests took place close enough to one another to enable the members of each group to make their points peacefully but safely.
But a small group from the counter-demonstration threw missiles at the police in the Trafalgar Road area, the police said.
There was no direct confrontation between the two protests, according to the police, but disorder was directed towards officers.
Protesters obstructed traffic in Queen’s Road, North Street and the Old Steine for a while.
Two police officers suffered minor injuries and received medical attention. One protester also received injuries, for which two people were arrested.
Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said: “The right to peaceful protest is an important part of Brighton and Hove life.
“It is our aim to allow protesters the freedom of speech to express their views safely, without causing disruption and disorder to residents, visitors and businesses.
“Sussex Police made concerted efforts to engage with the organisers of both groups.
“Our close liaison with organisers of the ENA event ensured protestors followed an agreed route.
“Unfortunately the organisers of the UAF did not discuss their intentions with police, resulting in the event being delayed by a minority of participants causing some unnecessary disruption.
“I again urge those who wish to hold demonstrations in the city to abide by the law and notify the police of their plans in advance, so we can jointly plan a safe and visible event that respects others rights to go about their business free from intimidation and violence.”
i am very sorry to have to ask this question.
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this ‘protest’ was clearly going to be
a high tension confrontation
between two completely opposed masses of people
willing to be out for a big fight.
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IF Sussex Police HAD to ensure
that BOTH protests took place
CLOSE enough to one another
to enable the MEMBERS of each group
to make their POINTS peacefully but safely.
~
THEN next time, please, can Sussex Police insist,
that the double demonstration takes place
on the Waterhall Rugby Fields ?
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where there is plenty of space
for every one to destress and decompress.
instead of the stress and compression
in the middle of town.
~
Waterhall, where Sussex Police
can really referee the double demonstration
with big tannoy loud hailers
giving simple rules of engagment:
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to make a high excitement
big fun game out of it
by dropping a one metre cube bag
of tennis balls in the middle
of the two groups
from their helicopter
~
for every one to throw at each other
and have a good fun run around
chasing each other
and wrestling each other to the ground
to give in and surrender
then let go and up and run again
~