Two arrests were made and a large number of people were searched under section 60 stop and search powers, police said. The unrest was the latest in a series of riots in the east of the city following a cricket match between India and Pakistan on August 28. Footage shared online shows hundreds of people filling the streets on Saturday night. At 9pm Leicestershire Police posted a video message on social media from Rob Nixon, the force’s interim chief. He said there had been several reports of unrest in east Leicester and officers were taking control of the situation. Additional officers were on their way with authorized dispersal powers, he said, adding: “Please do not get involved. We appeal for calm.” A police briefing early on Sunday said large crowds had formed “after groups of young men started an unplanned protest”. He continued: “Many incidents of violence and damage have been reported to the police and are being investigated. We are aware that a video is circulating showing a man taking down a flag outside a religious building in Melton Road, Leicester. This appears to have happened while police officers were dealing with public disorder in the area. The incident will be investigated.” A man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and a man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed object. Both remained in custody Sunday. Police said: “We continue to call for dialogue and calm with the support of local community leaders. We will not tolerate violence or disorder in our city. “A significant police operation will remain in the area over the coming days.” Suleman Nagdi, of the Leicester-based Federation of Muslim Organisations, told the BBC: “What we have seen on the streets is very worrying. “There have been problems in the community since the India-Pakistan cricket match, and while this game often causes rallies, in the past they have not gotten this bad. “We need calm – the disruption must stop and it must stop now. There are some very disgruntled young men who have caused havoc.’ Those sentiments were echoed by Leicester East MP Claudia Webbe, who tweeted on Saturday night: “Dear Leicester, this is the time for cool heads. “Please everyone go home. We can strengthen our dialogue to restore community relations. Your family will be concerned for your safety, please accept the advice of the police who are trying to calm down and call for calm.”
