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During an anti-immigration demonstration held in Liverpool, eight individuals were taken into custody, with counter-protesters also present in the area. The event took place along County Road in Walton, where nearly all local businesses, including shops, cafes, and pubs, chose to close for the day. This precaution was taken due to concerns about potential violence reminiscent of the disturbances that occurred in 2024 following the Southport attack.
The march, which was mainly coordinated through social media channels, featured around 200 participants who carried English and British flags. Some chanted slogans such as “send them back” and used offensive language while demanding deportations. Despite these tensions, the protest proceeded under a significant police presence, and authorities reported no major incidents during the procession. Police officers made arrests related to public order offenses, possession of cannabis, breach of the peace, and assaulting an officer.
A portion of the crowd had gathered near the Royal Oak pub but was kept separate from counter-demonstrators who held signs with messages like “hands off our neighbours” and “stop the far right.” Police escorted the marchers towards Queens Drive but then rerouted them through a churchyard and residential neighborhoods close to Goodison Park stadium before they returned to County Road and eventually disbanded. Authorities stated that the overall disruption to the area was “minimal.”
Local officials expressed disapproval of the march, especially since the area had suffered extensive damage during the 2024 riots. Labour council leader Liam Robinson conveyed the sentiments of many residents in an open letter, saying, “Many local people have been in touch with me to say they do not want this march to take place. It is a painful reminder of one of the darkest moments in that area’s history.” He added that while he sympathizes with these concerns, local government lacks the authority to halt such demonstrations, which only the Home Office can do. Liverpool Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman emphasized the right to peaceful protest but cautioned that it should not frighten communities still recovering from past unrest. Temporary police powers were employed to disperse crowds, carry out searches, and require the removal of face coverings during the event. Supt Phil Mullally noted that most arrests occurred either before the march began or after attendees had dispersed, involving individuals linked to anti-social behavior nearby. He expressed hope that “the disruption caused today has been minimal.
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