Police make 13 arrests as 'thugs' who attacked officers and Black Lives Matter protesters condemned

Thirteen people have been arrested after some counter-demonstrators turned violent at the Newcastle Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday, June 13.

A small number of officers, three police horses and two police dogs suffered minor injures when individuals from a group that had gathered around Grey’s Monument clashed with police.

Hundreds of anti-racist protesters had gathered in Grey Street in Newcastle on Saturday, June 13 as the Black Lives Matter movement continues across the UK.

A large group of people also congregated at the bottom of the famous monument alongside a Union Jack flag emblazoned with Defenders of Newcastle.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Hall, from Northumbria Police, said: “Ensuring the safety of the public is our utmost priority and yesterday (Saturday) we provided a proportionate policing response to planned protests in Newcastle.

“Black Lives Matter protesters came together in the city centre, with a counter-protest held at Grey’s Monument.

“The protest activity had in the main passed without incident, with the exception of a small number of objects being thrown between the protesters. However, as the demonstrations were drawing to a close, members of the counter-protest again started throwing objects, with the police targeted.

“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated on our streets. An investigation is now under way and anyone found responsible will be brought to justice.

“As it stands we are aware a small number of officers, three police horses and two dogs have received minor injuries.

“A small number of the protesters also reported receiving minor injuries as a result of the protest activity.

“We can confirm that 13 people have currently been arrested, mainly in relation to suspected public order offences.

“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which we will uphold and facilitate. However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.”

Now Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has thanked police and condemned the action of those who became violent.

She said: “Thank you to the brave police officers working in Newcastle.

“Anti-racism campaigners from across Newcastle and the region demonstrated peacefully today. Their aim was clear, to make their voices heard against racism and structural inequality and to show the need for change. Thank you all for being respectful and peaceful.

“At the same time and location a counter protest congregated under the banner of defending a city and monuments that were never at risk. They made racist remarks, became violent, attacked peaceful protesters and our police. All violence is unacceptable, attacking police officers is disgraceful, all racism is abhorrent.

“The actions of a small number of thugs is the absolute opposite of what we are about as a region, they don’t speak for us and never will.

“I believe our force were outstanding in the face of violence, aggression and abuse. I couldn’t be more proud to be the police and crime commissioner for Northumbria.”

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