Luton was today the scene of a very heavy police presence, amidst fears that the extreme British nationalists / anti-Muslim extremists / islamophobes / Facists / English Defence league / BNP would be demonstrating. Choose the name you will, but they had threatened us with their presence.
While the expected trouble makers didn't show,
sadly we had more problems. Teletext led the way with news followed a few minutes ago by Reuters, but The Telegraph is the first main paper to carry a story:
Riot police called in as Asian youths throw fireworks at officersI was in Luton town centre this pm and walked over to Bury park towards the end of the problems there, and will post my own account and take on things later, but from my understanding the Telegraph's story is accurate. They quote the head of police:
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."
Sadly now we can expect a response from the other side - whatever they or those who oppose them wish to call them.
See my later post here: Luton troubles - the action and some first thoughts
This is one of a series of posts focusing on the issues of Islamophobia currently being worked out in Luton and the UK. For the full list of posts see Seeking Peace in Luton - and Multicultural UK
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