June 3 (UPI) — Police in Liverpool, England, said they arrested 12 people after left-wing protesters and demonstrators involved in a planned far-right march clashed on Saturday.
The English Defense League, a far-right organization, planned the march in the city center to protest against a number of issues, including Islamist terrorism. About 600 activists described as anti-fascist by local media met up with the estimated 140 EDL protesters in defiance of their views.
Merseyside County police made the decision to disperse the crowd after the interaction turned violent and threatened the residents and businesses in the area. Members from both groups threw items, including bottles, and set off what was believed to be fireworks.
“At some points, members of the left wing were seen to throw darts, and flares were also activated,” Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said.
Foulkes said the EDL marchers were moved to a different area of the city and all involved were ordered to leave the city center.
“Together with our colleagues from British Transport Police and police officers from Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire and North Wales, the majority of participants have now been escorted onto trains at Liverpool Lime Street and out of the city,” Foulkes said.
