Police investigate Leicester disorder suspects from Birmingham as protest held at Hindu Temple in Smethwick

A protest took place outside a Hindu temple in Smethwick last night (Tuesday, September 20)
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Some people from Birmingham were detained in Leicester after the East Midlands city experienced some disorder over the weekend.

Parts of East Leicester experienced serious disorder on Saturday 17 September and on 18 September as large crowds formed after groups of young men began an unplanned protest.

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There were clashes between groups of Hindu and Muslim men in the city, and a similar protest was planned for Birmingham yesterday (20 September).

Many people were detained in Leicester and some of those were from Birmingham, according to the Leicester force, who are also working with West Midlands Police.

“They have supported us with mutual aid officers and we obviously have been linking in with them over any unrest they have seen,” Leicester Police said referring to the disorder last night (Tuesday September 20 in Smethwick) when a protest took place outside a Hindu temple in Smethwick.

A spokesperson for Durga Bhawan temple in Smethwick told BirminghamWorld: “Around 200 people showed up and caused a ruckus but there were more than 100 police officers present. The protestors didn’t enter the temple and there was no damage to it either. They were dispersed soon.”

Durga BhawanDurga Bhawan
Durga Bhawan

What West Midlands Police said

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“Following a protest gathering in Smethwick last night, there was some minor disorder and one person was arrested. We had a pre-planned police presence near the temple in Spon Lane where fireworks and missiles were thrown towards some of our officers. Thankfully no-one was injured.

“We’re also looking into reports of a small number of cars being damaged. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife and remains in custody for questioning.

“To help ensure there was no outbreak of serious violence, we had stop and search powers in place until this morning. We are continuing to provide a visible police presence, working closely with faith leaders and partners across the community to provide reassurance.

“We will continue to monitor the situation locally and across the region,” said the police.

What did the Indian High Commission say?

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The Indian High Commission tweeted a statemend saying they condemn the violence perpetrated against the Indian community in Leicester and vandalization of premises and symbols of Hindu religion.

They have not commented on the Birmingham protest currently.

The Muslim Council of Britain’s reaction

The MCB said: “Whilst it is right that we condemn the desecration of Hindu symbols, you must represent all Indians and also condemn the deliberate targeting, intimidation and instance of assault of Muslims and Sikhs by large group of thugs chanting far-right Hindutva slogans, mirroring tactics used by the RSS against communities in India.”

They also condemned the Birmingham protest on social media.

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