Protests involving around 160 people pass off peacefully in Lansdowne area of Bournemouth

Protests involving around 160 people passed off peacefully in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth last night.

Police were out in force with no arrests although one person was given a legal order to leave the area and not return within 12 hours.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said the vast majority of people had acted within the law and he thanked them for their conduct.

Officers from Dorset were supported by colleagues from Devon and Cornwall in policing the event.

In a statement ACC Callaghan, Gold Commander, said: “This evening we have facilitated safe and legal protest activity in Bournemouth involving around 160 people who gathered in the Lansdowne area.

“We are fully aware of the concern among our communities of the impact of potential disorder and we responded swiftly to reports to ensure disruption to residents, visitors and businesses was kept to a minimum.

“The vast majority of people behaved within the law and we would like to thank them for their conduct. There were no arrests, however one person was given a legal order to leave the area and not return within 12 hours.

“As we have shown this evening, and at demonstrations in Weymouth on Sunday, we are well trained to maintain public order and have specially trained officers and plans in place to deal with any outbreaks of disorder.

“Officers will always seek to de-escalate matters as quickly as possible and we will not hesitate to take necessary action against anyone who deliberately chooses to act outside the law.

“This evening officers from Dorset, supported by colleagues from Devon and Cornwall, maintained public safety and engaged with those attending the area.

“I would like to thank them for their hard work and we will continue to work with our partners over the coming weeks to respond to protest activity and keep our communities safe.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “Last night across the country saw a majority of peaceful demonstrations take place – thanks to robust, effective policing and to the approach taken by those who chose to protest.

“My thanks go to our officers and to those from Devon and Cornwall police who stood in Bournemouth last night, shoulder to shoulder, in order to prevent disorder and to protect the public.

“I want to thank them for what they did and what they continue to do. I recognise just how intensely demanding the job they are having to do is right now and I know that every right-minded citizen would want to thank them too.”

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