Police appeal to trace men after violence at Walsall town centre EDL protest
Police want to speak to these 10 men after violence erupted on the streets of Walsall during a protest by the English Defence League.
Officers have spent hours trawling through CCTV footage of the disorder, which broke out in the town centre on September 29 last year.
It comes after police carried out early morning raids yesterday, arresting eight people on suspicion of public order offences. Homes in Walsall, Brownhills, West Bromwich, Tipton and Hateley Heath were all targeted. Six men have been charged with violent disorder and two have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Detective Inspector Pete Dunn said: "The majority of the people attending these demonstrations were law abiding, however small numbers of people decided to get embroiled in disorder and ultimately there were a few ugly scenes."
He said 30 people were arrested on the day and some had been convicted of public order offences. "The message to people intent on bringing violence to the streets of the West Midlands when attending such events is clear – we will not tolerate disorder," he added.
"The force takes a hard line against anyone who comes to the West Midlands and brings violence to our streets, whether it be in the name of an organisation or just for devilment.
"If you commit such crimes we will track you down and ultimately you will be brought before the courts." Some police officers and protestors suffered minor injuries during the protest by the EDL and a counter demonstration group. Up to 1,000 people are said to have descended on the town.
Chief Superintendent Dave Sturman said a great deal of mediation went on with the groups involved before the event.
"We recognise that the people of Walsall were both concerned and inconvenienced on the day and we hope that residents are reassured by our continuing efforts to bring those involved in disorder in the town to justice," he added.
