Two arrested amid rival demos in town centre

There was a large police presence in Barnsley town centre where additional police powers have been authorised

Two people have been arrested after minor clashes between two groups of demonstrators in Barnsley town centre on Thursday.

There was a heavy police presence in the area during what South Yorkshire Police described as "a largely peaceful gathering" involving about 110 people.

The force said a 43-year-old man had been taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a banned breed of dog and possession of a controlled drug and a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

They both remained in police custody, the force added.

The force confirmed additional police powers had been authorised in Wombwell and Barnsley town centre on Thursday.

Officers could now disperse people from those areas to "help minimise crime and disorder" and had enhanced powers to stop and search individuals, it said.

They also had the power to tell people to remove face coverings.

Two protest groups were involved in minor clashes in Barnsley town centre on Thursday

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Alton said: "These police powers allow our officers to monitor situations and reduce a risk of further violence or disorder."

He said additional powers had been placed in Sheffield on Wednesday to allow officers to keep the public and themselves safe, but the day had passed "largely without incident".

However, he warned that police were "still coming after those responsible" for the disorder in Rotherham at the weekend, with officers "knocking down doors".

"We are continuing to come for you and you will be brought to justice for the horror you have caused," he said.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the county felt "relatively calm" now but he still had concerns.

"It's having a very significant impact on day-to-day policing," Mr Coppard told the BBC.

"There are police officers who have had their leave cancelled, their shifts extended, they are spending a significant amount of time away from their familis and that is because we have seen significant amounts of violence on the streets of South Yorkshire."

He said the blame for that was "squarely on the people who perpetrated that violence" at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on Sunday.

"Anybody that is considering taking violence to our streets should think again," Mr Coppard added.

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