An anti-protest was taking place outside a mosque moments before a disorder broke out in Swindon town centre this evening (Wednesday).
After speculation about a far-right protest, dozens of Muslims and locals gathered outside Swindon Jamia Mosque on Broad Street and Hazrath Shahjalal Central Mosque on Manchester Road.
Counter-demonstrators also attended in support, some carrying banners with ‘Refugees Welcome’ and ‘Swindon is Antifascist’ painted on them.
“We are Swindon, who are you? We are many, you are few”, the crowd chanted. They continued with: “Free free Palestine, free free Palestine”.
But at around 7.45pm, a group of four males turned up and at least one shouted towards the group – before being chased away along Alfred Street and Volta Road.
Police weren’t present at the time but officers were flagged down in Fleming Way, where they stopped the men involved in the disorder.
One shouted at police: “They’re carrying weapons and everything, but they’re allowed to do that. It’s f***ing bang out of order.”
He added: “They stopped the wrong people because we’re doing nothing wrong.”
A section 35 order, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was put in place – meaning officers can order a person to leave the area for up to 48 hours.
The men – one of which was on a mountain bike and had a face covering – were told to leave and warned they could be arrested if they returned.
The group are believed to be local people turned up to provoke the Muslim community, rather than hardcore far-right protestors as initially expected.
It’s believed that no far-right protesters attended the area this evening, despite widespread rumours circulating across social media over the past 48 hours.
However, thousands of people have gathered in Bristol as a march takes place. In Oxford, there are hundreds of protestors lining the streets.
Check back shortly for a statement from Wiltshire Police.
