Pegida v Newcastle Unites
A counter demonstration in Newcastle dominated over Pegida’s first UK march.
A counter demonstration in Newcastle dominated over Pegida’s first UK march.
The anti-Islam group Pegida, which stems from Germany, held a protest in the Bigg Market.
Around 400 people turned up to hear speeches about what they call the ‘Islamification of the West’.
Just up the road 2000 were at a counter-demonstration set up by the group Newcastle Unites.
MP George Galloway was there: 37-year-old Newcastle man arrested on suspicion of assault 20-year-old Halifax man arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace 43-year-old Newcastle man arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace 54-year-old from South Yorkshire arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly
Newcastle Chief Superintendent Laura Young said: "Both demonstrations passed without any problems and I'd like to thank people in Newcastle for their cooperation and support throughout.
"The vast majority of those that took part in today's events were peaceful and both groups stuck to their agreed times, routes and plans.
"Disruption was kept to a minimum in the city centre and we are very grateful for the assistance and patience shown by the public and those in Newcastle this morning.
"As a force we respect the right to peaceful protest and take a neutral standpoint, not supporting or endorsing any groups or individuals.
"Our aim was to ensure public safety and to minimise disruption to the city centre during today's events and everything went to plan."