Two people were arrested after an anti-immigration demonstration and counter-protest took place in Yeovil town centre on Saturday.
Avon and Somerset Police said the two men were arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. One was in his late teens and the other was in his mid-30s. Both were in custody while enquiries continued, according to a police spokesperson.
Protest and counter-protest in Yeovil town centre
The demonstration was billed as Yeovil Calling: Stop Immigration & Two-Tier Policing. About 60 people marched through the town centre from around 1pm, while around 60 to 70 counter-protesters were also present.
Police said the demonstration ended at approximately 3pm. The force added that the event largely passed without incident because of what it described as positive engagement with members of both groups.
“We arrested two men, one in his late teens and the other in their mid-30s, on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and they are in custody while enquiries continue,”
The police spokesperson also thanked the wider community for its patience after officers were deployed in the town centre as part of the operation.
Dispersal zone put in place
A dispersal zone was imposed under section 34/35 of the Antisocial Behaviour and Policing Act 2014. It was in place from 9am until 6pm.
Police said the powers allow officers to move on people who cause, or are likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to others. The arrests remain allegations, and the source states that enquiries were continuing.