Police ban monument meetings at the weekend

POLICE will prevent any demonstrations around Grey’s Monument today, after violence last weekend.

On June 13, counter-protesters who gathered on the steps of the Monument to oppose a Black Lives Matter march clashed with protesters and police.

Over the weekend, 14 people were arrested, with five more taken into custody this week, after allegedly becoming involved in violent disorder.

Northumbria Police have used a Section 14 order, which means that, on Saturday, no public assemblies of any kind will be allowed at the Monument and in the immediate area.

Police officers can issue such orders if they “reasonably believe” that the protest “may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community”.

They say this decision has been taken for the safety of the public, with the city centre expected to be busier this week as non-essential shops have reopened.

Organisers of the city’s third Black Lives Matter protest had already planned to move their demonstration to Times Square, to preserve a “family-friendly atmosphere” and “make sure that people have their voices heard and declare Black Lives Matter in a safe space”.

But the police move means that the counter-protest group, which labelled itself ‘The Defenders of Newcastle’, will be banned from holding its planned ‘peaceful protest’ at Grey’s Monument.

In a post which is now no longer visible on Facebook, the group insisted it would make a “major show of presence” on Grey Street, after anti-racist groups announced their plans to change location.

It is not clear what the group will now do.

Meanwhile, five men have been released on bail following dawn raids after the protests at Grey’s Monument last weekend.

Northumbria Police arrested 14 people on Saturday and on Thursday morning five more were taken into custody following raids around the region.

The men, aged 39, 42, 44, 51 and 55, were all arrested on suspicion of violent disorder but the force confirmed they have all now been released under investigation.

The lead officer has warned that more arrests are likely.