Four arrests following protest at Tory fundraiser

Four men were arrested following the protest on Friday

Police have made four arrests after pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted a Conservative Party fundraising event in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday.

The event, at Mirchi in Shelton, had been organised to raise funds for Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Ben Adams’ re-election campaign.

Police said a man from Stoke-on-Trent was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of aggravated trespass and using threatening/abusive words and or behaviour likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Three others were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of the same offences.

Two of the men were released on conditional bail, police said, while the other two remained in custody on Sunday.

A video shared on social media showed some protesters entering the restaurant and confronting those gathered at the event inside.

Democratic process

A police spokesperson said: "Whilst we respect the right of those who seek to protest peacefully, the right of those who wish to participate in the democratic process is fundamental.

"We will continue to support those in Staffordshire who seek to do this and deal robustly, within the law, with those who seek to frustrate such legitimate and important activities."

Protesters gathered outside the Mirchi restaurant in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent

Staffordshire PCC Ben Adams, who was hosting the event, said: "I would like to thank Staffordshire Police for their very rapid and thorough work following the protests seen in Stoke-on-Trent this weekend.

"It is vital that our democratic process is protected, and lawful, peaceful protest is a valid part of that.

"The use of intimidation and abuse, in an attempt to disrupt and undermine the democratic process, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Aaron Bell was due to attend the fundraising event but said he was advised by police not to do so.

“I appreciate that the force was stretched across multiple incidents on Friday night, and I am grateful for them protecting everyone’s safety, but for a fundraising dinner to be cancelled by the mob is an infringement of the democratic process which cannot and should not be tolerated," he said.

He said any intimidation of politicians was "beyond unacceptable”.

Police say they are continuing to review CCTV footage and speak to individuals who were present.