The English Defence League (EDL) wrought havoc on the streets of the Black Country Town of Dudley on Easter Saturday, attacking antifascists with firecrackers and laying siege to Dudley Central Mosque.
Between 1000-2000 supporters of the fascist organisation marched through the town escorted by police. A dispersal order in place for 4pm only resulted in gangs of several hundreds breaking away from the police kettle to rampage around the centre of town.
Meanwhile, Unite Against Fascism (UAF) held a 'carnival' in a car park a quarter mile away as 1000-1500 antifascists, many of whom were bussed in from around the country, were denied their right to march by police. All placards, Trade Union and other banners were conspicuous by their absence as police confiscated all poles and sticks on the pretext they could be used as weapons.
The assembly of antifascists was continually bolstered throughout the afternoon by the arrival of angry locals, mostly Asian youth. Throughout the day UAF stewards were under strict instruction to maintain order and keep the crowd in the car park. Expecting a march, locals assembled on an adjacent road.
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