Three men from Blackpool have been charged after far-right protests in Blackpool at the weekend.
Police provided the update along with condemnation of the scenes on Saturday (3 August) which they said have ‘nothing to do with legitimate protest’ or the tragic events in Southport.
Twenty people were arrested in Blackpool by Lancashire Constabulary - making up the vast majority of the total of 22 county-wide.
Eighteen of the 22 arrested have been bailed with four now charged. They appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court today (5 August).
Police said the charges reflect how seriously they are taking the behaviour.
Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, has been charged with Section 4 racially aggravated public order. Ben Smith, 32, of Dickson Road, Blackpool was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker.
A 17-year-old boy, of no fixed abode, was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Deputy Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie, of Lancashire Constabulary said: “Four people have been charged, and a number of people have been arrested, however this is only the beginning of our enquiries. We have a dedicated team reviewing CCTV, and I expect there to be further arrests.
“These charges reflect just how seriously we are taking these offences. We will not tolerate this behaviour in our county, and we will identify you, find you and bring you to justice if you are committing these crimes.
“The scenes in Blackpool we saw on Saturday, by those intent on causing disorder, has nothing to do with legitimate protest or the tragic events of last Monday.
“The support we have had from local communities for our police officers has been greatly appreciated.
“We will always put the safety of the public first and are incredibly grateful for your support. Be assured we will continue to police in such a way that puts the needs of our communities at the heart of everything that we do.”
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See our special edition which was sent to subscribers during Sunday morning, focused on the scenes of disorder from Saturday.
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