'Asian Youths' Riot in Bury Park

Police were called to Bury Park in Luton to break up a group of 200 'Asian' youths who had gathered to protest against a demonstration which was not even taking place.

Riot police were attacked with stones, bottles and fireworks before restoring order.

From The Telegraph:

Officers wearing helmets and carrying shields were sent to the park after Asian youths attacked local police.

The incident happened a week after Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, issued a banning order on protesters planning right-wing demonstrations in the area.

A group of PCSOs patrolling the park had been on the lookout for any such protests, when they were attacked.

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: ''Today's disorder follows weeks of engagement and public consultation by Bedfordshire Police and Luton Borough Council in response to tensions within the community after the town was identified as a potential location for a march by right-wing supporters.''

Police had to send in an extra 50 officers and six police horses at 4.30pm as the violence escalated. Two people were arrested for public order offences.

The force said there was a strong police presence to ensure the safety of local residents and the disorder was dealt with by 7pm.

Chief Superintendent Andy Frost, from the force, said: "I am extremely disappointed that some members of the Asian community have used today as an opportunity to commit disorder and undo much of the excellent work that has been done by both the police, council and community leaders to ensure today passed without incident.

"There has been extensive public consultation and work behind the scenes to ensure Luton was not the chosen venue for any kind of march or protest but it would seem that for no apparent reason disorder has broken out in Bury Park.

"Although this incident was contained within Bury Park it has again put Luton under the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

"The town has enjoyed excellent community relations for a number of years but it seems a small minority has let Luton down."

You'll note that the article and the police are implicitly blaming the "far-Right" protesters, who were not even present, for the fact that a large group of youths attacked police who were there to protect them and their community.

The fact this is classic Muslim territorialism and similar things are hotting up for Ramadan all over Europe is simply not mentioned at all.

Luton Today has an update on this case, in which we learn that 200 people attacking the police amounts to a tiny, barely significant minority, and the "Right-wing" marchers are still to blame - despite not being present:

One of two men arrested following rioting in Luton yesterday has been released from police custody this morning, although a second man is still being questioned.

A mob of 200 youngsters from Luton's Asian community defied a ban on mass public gatherings on Sunday to attack policemen drafted in to protect them from far-right protestors.

A banning order was imposed last week to thwart fears of a bank holiday weekend of violence sparked by rumours of a protest march being organised by far-right groups.

The march was said to be a further response to the protests by young Muslims which disrupted the Anglian regiment homecoming parade in the town earlier this year.

Police wearing riot protection helmets and carrying shields were sent into the Bury Park area of Luton on Sunday afternoon after the youngsters went on the offensive.

Divisional police commander Chief Supt Andy Frost said he was disappointed with the reaction of the small minority who attacked his officers.

He said: "I am extremely disappointed that some members of the Asian community have used today as an opportunity to commit disorder and undo much of the excellent work that has been done by both the police, council and community leaders to ensure today passed without incident.

"There has been extensive public consultation and work behind the scenes to ensure Luton was not the chosen venue for any kind of march or protest but it would seem that for no apparent reason disorder has broken out in Bury Park.

"Although this incident was contained within Bury Park it has again put Luton under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. The town has enjoyed excellent community relations for a number of years but it seems a small minority has let Luton down."

At around 4.30pm 50 additional police officers and six police horses were sent into Bury Park to deal with the disorder, which was contained in the Dunstable Road area at the junction of Waldeck Road.

Two people were arrested for public order offences.

Policing of the area returned to normal levels at around 7pm with the disorder dealt with and the crowds dispersed.