Extra officers are being sent to the East Leicester area and stop and search and dispersal forces have been put in place. Speaking in a video on Twitter on Saturday, Leicestershire’s acting chief constable Rob Nixon said: “We have had numerous reports of disorder breaking out in parts of the East Leicester area of the city. “We have officers there, we are taking control of the situation, there are additional officers on the way and dispersal powers, investigative stop powers have been authorised. “Please do not get involved. We are calling for calm.” Reports circulating on social media said the spark point was a protest march on Saturday afternoon. Online video shows police officers, some with dogs, trying to hold back two sets of crowds as they throw objects such as glass bottles. Some people carry sticks and clubs. Leicester MP Claudia Webbe also called for calm and urged people on the streets to go home. “Like many residents of Leicester East, I am concerned by the continuing reports of ‘hateful clashes’, including those that have emerged today. “It is vital that we work together to share the message of tolerance so that we can unite our communities. “It’s time for cool heads. Please everyone go home.” On Friday, Chief Constable Nixon said there had been a total of 27 arrests as part of “our policing operation in the East Leicester area”. He said the area had experienced “difficult times” and high-visibility police patrols would continue there. He issued a message of thanks to the community for their continued cooperation in calling for calm in the area.
