A senior West Midlands officer has told a jury how he was forced to give orders for helmets, shields and batons to be deployed to officers who tried to protect the public while patrolling an EDL demonstration in Birmingham.

Giving evidence at the trial of four EDL supporters accused of violent disorder, Inspector Andrew Bridgewater said that police cordons came under a “sustained attack” from supporters of the far right group during their rally on July 20 last year.

Insp Bridgewater told Birmingham Crown Court that officers had initially attended the demonstration wearing Code Two clothing – normal patrol wear. But orders for more protection were given as many of the 2,000 demonstrators turned on officers and threw missiles at the Library of Birmingham, which was still being built at the time.

“They seemed to focus both on the cordon of police and the hoarding surrounding the library,” he said. “A number of officers there were assaulted. Officers were kicked at, missiles were thrown, beer cans, bottles, bricks. It was at that point I issued orders to get changed into Code One equipment because I have a duty of care to my officers. Those officers were coming under a sustained attack from missiles.”

The line under attack stretched across Broad Street near the former municipal bank. It was intended to stop the EDL and counter protesters Unite Against Fascism from clashing. Insp Bridgewater continued: “Officers were given clear instruction to keep a sterile area, they would have been using verbal commands and force to keep that area clear, preserve the Queen’s peace and keep the groups apart to prevent a large public disorder.”

As officers came under further attack, he said the order was given for batons, and said: “A show of force can be effective in certain circumstances. I’ve seen it work well when 25 people get their batons out.” But asked by prosecutor David Bennett if the action had any effect on the disorder, Insp Bridgewater said: “Absolutely none.” He added police dogs were also deployed within the library building site when hoardings were pulled down.

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A Birmingham bar has been forced by police to house EDL members before a city centre rally this weekend – for the second time in two years.

Bar Risa has now reluctantly agreed to the request, despite violent scenes elsewhere in the city during last summer’s protest after hundreds of the supporters had been housed inside the Broad Street venue.

A spokesman told the Mail: “We have been asked by the police to host the EDL during their protest as they wanted to contain them in one bar in order to help keep the streets of Birmingham safe.

“We very firmly said no and asked them to find an alternative venue. We did this because we do not, have not and will never support the EDL in any way, shape or form. In addition, we know how much it upset some of the local community last year, and having helped the police last time, it seemed right that they ask someone else.

“The police have since asked us several times and we have continually said no. The police stance however is that Risa is the only bar big enough and close enough to the centre of the protest to house the EDL as one group. Their view is that Risa would be doing the city of Birmingham, the community and the police a great service.

“Given the repeated police requests we had little option other than to help the police manage this situation. We have therefore decided to help, but will not be making any profits from hosting this group.

“As we did last year, we will donate all profits made during the time they are with us to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Last year this sum was £1,500. Before making this decision, we discussed the situation with the local community leaders who are currently assisting West Midlands Police in their planning for the EDL protest, and we have their full support.”

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From left, Shane Williams, Paul McKenzie, Thomas Wilkie and Andrew Edge

Police were injured and property damaged as English Defence League members tried to break through a police cordon in Birmingham to get at counter demonstrators, a court heard.

The violence occurred on July 20 last year by EDL demonstrators “only concerned in causing public disorder,” it was claimed. Thomas Wilkie, 22, of Kent Road, Wednesbury, Paul Mckenzie, 48, of Braemar Road, Billingham, Cleveland, Andrew Edge, 44, of Wellington Road, South Stockport and Shane Williams, 26, of Dragon Lane, Leicester, all denied a charge of violent disorder.

David Bennett, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said around 1,800 EDL supporters had gathered outside Bar Risa by 1pm on the day of the demonstration.

“Officers had become concerned at this stage given the numbers. There were also members of the public with views opposing those of the EDL and there were verbal confrontations,” he said. “It was then decided that the police would move on the demonstrators to Centenary Square. That is when the trouble really began.”

Mr Bennett said there were a number of EDL demonstrators peacefully listening to speeches being given on a stage outside the Birmingham Rep. “But there were a large number of EDL demonstrators who were not really interested in peaceful demonstration at all and only concerned in causing public disorder, despite being given numerous warning by the police,” he said.

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