Community leader praises conduct of counter-protest

About 150 protesters came together in Northampton to stand up against racism

A community leader has said "the best of Northamptonshire" was on show during a peaceful counter-protest against an anticipated anti-immigration demonstration.

Information online suggested a protest had been planned in Northampton on Wednesday, leading some businesses to close early and board up windows.

Northamptonshire Police said, however, that about 150 counter-protesters gathered to stand against racism.

Inam Khan, the chairman of Kettering Mosque, and Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley, said they were impressed by people's conduct.

Counter-protesters gathered in Northampton following riots elsewhere said to have been fuelled by misinformation on social media

"It was a long night... we put a large number of officers out very early on yesterday evening [with] a lot of engagement with the community," Mr Tuckley told BBC Radio Northamptonshire.

"I think everyone was nervous because no-one really knew who was going to arrive in Northamptonshire, or any of the other locations across the country, and what yesterday evening was ultimately going to look like.

"We prepared for the worst and being blunt I think we got the best.

"We got the best of the people of Northamptonshire coming together and it was genuinely really good to see all the diverse members of the community out working together."

Police described the atmosphere during the counter-protest as like a "carnival"

The counter-protesters gathered at 19:00 BST at the junction of Kettering Road and Clare Street.

Feedback given to Mr Tuckley described the atmosphere as like a "carnival" and he said everyone was in good spirits.

There were no injuries reported during the counter-protest but three people were arrested for public order offences earlier in the evening.

Mr Tuckley said he did not believe these were people who had come into the county to cause disorder and they remain in custody.

Mr Khan thanked the police force for its support during the evening, as well as over the past week as riots spread across the country.

"The Muslim community were worried, frightened, concerned with what we were seeing from these mobs," he said.

"But what we've seen [from] last night, [I am] absolutely proud of how a protest should be done in a peaceful manner.

"I was also humbled by the cross-community and cross-religious support."

'Grateful to whole community'

Zenith Immigration Lawyers, one of the venues in the town centre rumoured to be targeted by the protestors, posted their thanks to the community on social media.

In a tweet, a spokesperson said: "Thank you to everyone who came to support us yesterday.

"We are grateful to the whole community who took the time to call, email and send messages of love and support to us.

"We also thank the Police for the amazing job they do!"