Protesters descended on Barnsley today amid chaotic scenes as a crowd shouted at dozens of police officers amid fears over further rioting across Britain.
Businesses locked their doors and staff worked from home in the South Yorkshire market town to avoid any potential violence ahead of a planned demonstration.
Detectives confirmed there three people were detained at the protest, including a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
South Yorkshire Police also told that a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed and possession of a controlled drug; and a 42-year-old man was detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.
It comes after shops were boarded up in many towns and cities over fears of further rioting after a week of violent disorder which started in Southport on July 30.
Planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise yesterday, despite the threat of more than 100 planned demonstrations – but fears remain that more could follow.
Queen’s University Belfast has announced its campus will be closed tomorrow, with an anti-immigration protest and a counter-protest expected in Northern Ireland.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council warned there are 20 potential gatherings and three counter-protests planned for today across the UK, adding that only 36 out of the 160 demonstrations planned yesterday actually ended up taking place.
The Barnsley Chronicle reported today that two groups gathered outside the town hall from midday and were separated by police as they chanted at each other.
But a group of masked youngsters then rushed up Market Hill before being quickly apprehended and dispersed after officers were given additional powers.
The ‘flash of aggression ignited the crowd, who began shouting at officers and forcing police to surround the situation and close off the road’, according to the newspaper.
Police were allowed to use Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to disperse people from two areas of the town to help reduce disorder.
Section 60 and Section 60AA powers were also in place under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, giving officers enhanced powers to stop and search.
This also meant they could tell people to remove face coverings. The powers were authorised in two areas of Barnsley – Wombwell and the town centre itself.
The Metropolitan Police sent a team to Barnsley to support South Yorkshire Police officers throughout the day.
It comes after a protest on Sunday at the Holiday Inn Express in nearby Manvers in Sunday turned violent.
Police battled outside the hotel with rioters who, at one point, forced their way in and set light to a bin at one of the exits.
Speaking about the extra police powers today, South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Rick Alton said: ‘These police powers allow our officers to monitor situations and reduce a risk of further violent or disorder.
‘Yesterday four powers were placed in Sheffield to allow our officers to keep the public and themselves safe.
‘We are pleased that the gatherings yesterday passed largely without incident, with many members of the public respecting officers while they worked to keep them safe.
‘Do not worry, we are still coming after those responsible for the utterly disgusting outpour of disorder in Rotherham on Sunday, with our officers knocking down doors at this moment, getting those responsible in the cells and through the courts.
‘We are continuing to come for you and you will be brought to justice for the horror you have caused.’
Meanwhile a joint statement from Barnsley FC chief executive Jon Flatman and the club’s fan advisor board chair Kelly Drury condemned the recent ‘scenes that nobody wants to see repeated in the future’.
They said: ‘Barnsley FC and football in general has the power to bring people together.
‘Since 1887, supporting our Club has helped to create a bond within our community for people from all backgrounds. We all come together to support our team: a team which is assembled from many different backgrounds and nations.
‘Whether that be at Oakwell on matchdays or via the Barnsley Community Trust and the incredible work that they do to provide crucial support to the people in our region that need our help, we stand together.’
It comes after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said fears of violent disorder yesterday were quashed thanks to a ‘show of force from the police’ and ‘unity from communities’ who appeared at counter demonstrations.
Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson claimed ‘swift justice’ had acted as a deterrent, adding that efforts to quell the rioting were ‘just the start’.
More of those arrested in the disorder of the past week appeared in court today
Yesterday evening, large numbers of counter-protesters gathered in areas including Walthamstow in East London, Bristol, Brighton, Liverpool and Sheffield.
According to Stand Up to Racism, an estimated 25,000 people took to the streets to make a stand – they said – against racism and violence.
This included around 8,000 in Walthamstow, 7,000 in Bristol and 2,000 in Liverpool. Similar numbers were seen in Brighton and Newcastle, the group said.
Officers were understood to be steeling themselves for more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter-protests, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.
Despite the majority of forces facing little trouble, the Metropolitan Police said about 50 people gathered on North End Road in Croydon, South London, and had ‘made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder’.
The Met said: ‘This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure antisocial behaviour.’
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said more than 1,000 officers were deployed in London, and the anti-racism protests in Walthamstow and Finchley passed ‘without major incident or disruption’.
Dozens of police officers in Aldershot, Hampshire, separated opposing groups after tempers flared yesterday evening.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers made an arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle during a ‘largely peaceful’ protest in Bristol.
Today, more rioters were jailed across the country – including a couple who became involved in disorder after an afternoon bingo session.
Former postmaster and school governor Steven Mailen, 54, and his partner Ryan Sheers, 29, were each handed a prison sentence of two years and two months at Teesside Crown Court today.
Elsewhere, two men were jailed in Liverpool for two years and eight months after admitting violent disorder.
John O’Malley, 43, was identified from footage of the violence in St Luke’s Road in Southport on July 30.
William Morgan, 69, of Walton, Liverpool, was jailed for his part in unrest in which police were attacked and a library was set on fire.
Paul Smith, 21, pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this morning and was remanded in custody after he was seen throwing ‘what appeared to be a glass beer bottle’ during disorder outside the Holiday Inn hotel on July 31.