Reports are coming in that the English Defence League has occupied the rooftop of a derelict building in Dudley earmarked for a mammoth [sic] new mosque.
The group staged a daytime protest in the town on Easter Saturday to show their objection to the planned new place of worship – and almost immediately afterwards supporters said a return visit was already being planned.
Around 20 EDL members, with their faces covered, are reportedly involved in the protest, which has been advertised on the group’s page on social networking site Facebook. An eyewitness said: “They’re waving England flags and blaring out Islamic music from a loud speaker.”
The EDL’s website says the protestors “have food and water to last them weeks, and a pa system to give speeches”. It adds: “I believe they even have a Playstation. They will be playing the call to prayer to let those who are not bothered by this mosque know what to look forward to.”
Police and fire crews however have arrived at the scene and sealed off Hall Street in the hope of achieving a swift end to the protest.
Update: See “Right-wing protesters in stand-off with riot police over plans for £18m ‘mega mosque'”, Daily Mail, 3 May 2010