Protest at Meridian Business Park – update

A policing operation remains in place at Meridian Business Park, Blaby, as officers continue to engage with protestors at the site.

We continue to work with those who wish to protest peacefully in the area and within the conditions around the site.

We also continue to take action where needed.

Protesters at the site are now fewer in number and disruption to local businesses has reduced.

A total of 33 arrests have been made so far and 17 people have since been charged with offences:

• Ten people have been charged with breaches under Section 14 of the Public Order Act
• Two people have been charged with causing criminal damage
• Two people have been charged with obstructing a highway
• Two people have been charged with breaches under Section 14 of the Public Order Act, obstructing a highway and obstructing a police constable in the execution of their duty
• One person has been charged with obstructing a police constable in the execution of their duty

 

Fourteen people have been bailed with conditions and two people currently remain in police custody.

Deputy Chief Constable David Sandall said: “Our work in the area continues. A small number of protestors remain and we will continue to engage with them in the coming days, facilitate peaceful protest as well as managing any potential disruption to businesses and residents going about their lawful activities.

“I am grateful to all in local communities who actively chose not to support potential criminal activity and who carried out a peaceful protest within the restrictions at the site and who have focused on the facts on the ground.

“There has been local disruption caused by this protest, impacting local businesses beyond the immediate site, and it has put considerable unbudgeted cost on Leicestershire Police at a time of high demand and when we are preparing for and supporting other civil and democratic events.

“I hope you will therefore appreciate and support why we have taken decisive steps to minimise disruption, support peaceful process from communities where we can, but also take proportionate action against those who we believe broke the law.

“Thank you for your continued support.”