Police slam rumours over violence at Robinson rally
Police have condemned “speculation and ill-informed comments” on social media about violence that erupted during a Tommy Robinson campaign rally in Oldham.
Greater Manchester police said bricks and eggs were thrown during clashes between supporters of the activist, whose real name is Stephen YaxleyLennon, and counter-protesters on Saturday night.
Chief superintendent Neil Evans yesterday said those responsible for the “disgusting” acts of violence would be brought to justice after two police vehicles were damaged in the disturbance.
The senior officer criticised the circulation of “unhelpful” speculation about the disorder. The force has denied reports that someone had been stabbed and unverified rumours of a shooting – claims that were still being promoted yesterday by Robinson’s supporters.
Evans said: “Today, I know people are still feeling the effects of the disturbance that happened on Saturday evening and there’s a lot of speculation and ill-informed comments on social media. When any type of event escalates in this way, it’s extremely frightening and upsetting for people in the local area and for the majority who act in a respectable manner.
“For the small few who ruin this for everyone else, let me be clear: you can expect to be identified, investigated by us and brought in for questioning.”
A live video posted on Facebook, but since apparently deleted, by a group calling itself the Muslim Defence League showed a group of Asian men standing and shouting at another crowd across the police blockade, with some appearing to throw objects.
A separate live video shared on YouTube by Robinson’s campaign organiser, Danny Thomas, appeared to show the clashes from the other perspective. In the clip, he claims bricks are being thrown at his group.
The violence erupted when Robinson was due to make an appearance in the Oldham neighbourhood of Limeside as he campaigns for the European elections, in which he is standing as a candidate for North West England.
He visited Bootle and Huyton areas of Merseyside yesterday. Voting in the election takes place on May 23, while counting starts on May 26.
Evans added: “Since Saturday night, we’ve been working alongside our partners and people in the community and will continue to do so over the coming days. I understand that people will still have concerns around this and while our investigation continues, officers will be patrolling the area so feel free to approach them with any concerns you may have.
“Speculation around what happened is proving unhelpful, but if you do have footage or images that could help our investigation, please send them directly to us.”