Update: Meridian Protest

Today police are facilitating a planned protest at a business premises in Meridian Park, Blaby. The protest began at 3pm today.

So far there have been no arrests at the location. There was a man aged 48, following an intelligence led operation, was arrested by West Midlands Police on 30 April in connection with this protest. He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and remains in custody.

In addition, whilst conducting a legal search of a car, officers at the location where authorised to break the vehicle’s window to complete this search. Nothing illegal was found and the car was not seized.

The policing operation will protect and facilitate those who want to peacefully protest, as it is clear the Palestine related issues are a concern to many in our community. There are a significant number of officers supporting the response to the protest and this includes mutual aid from other forces, as we try to maintain our emergency service across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Section 14 of the Public Order Act enables us to direct where the protest will take place, how the protest area will be entered and it enables us to prevent any structures being erected within the protest area. These conditions on the protest are to prevent intimidation of others, prevent serious disorder, disruption, damage, and importantly keep those peacefully protesting as safe as possible. It is a criminal offence to fail to comply with the directions given and that applies to organisers and those attending the protest.