Trouble won't be tolerated warn authorities

Four people have been arrested over the August clashes with police in Bury Park prompting a robust warning against similar violence and disorder.

Fears are growing of another possible unofficial march this Saturday despite a Home Office Banning Order to prevent them in Luton. But plans are being put in place to police the town centre should there be a reoccurrence, and a warning has been issued that any further trouble will not be tolerated.

Luton Town Football Club's home match with York City on Saturday has already been postponed under police advice that an unofficial march may take place this weekend.

This latest announcement has been issued jointly by Bedfordshire Police, Luton Borough Council, and Luton Council of Mosques who stand united against a minority of troublemakers that continue to bring Luton into disrepute.

It is in direct response to the trouble in Dunstable Road on the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, when Bedfordshire Police was forced to deploy officers wearing helmets and carrying shields into Bury Park after members of the younger Asian community attacked the local police team.

The four people taken in to custody today (Tuesday September 15) were arrested for public order offences committed in Bury Park on August 30 and are currently being questioned at Luton Police Station. All are Luton men aged in their 20s.

Bedfordshire Police, Luton Borough Council and religious groups of all faiths have expressed their disappointment following the incident and are urging residents across the town again to allow the authorities to police the town and not take the law into their own hands.

Superintendent Andy Martin from Bedfordshire Police said the authorities and faiths were united in their condemnation of violence and disorder.

He said: “Luton has experienced several incidents of disorder whether from right wing groups or the local community that simply cannot be tolerated.

"We know we have the support of many different faiths and groups across the town and a banning order remains in place, which we will enforce to ensure Luton remains a safe and peaceful place.”

Kevin Crompton, chief executive for Luton Borough Council, said: "It is important that we as a partnership take action against those who would take the law into their own hands.

"We are very disappointed that despite all the meetings held with the community and reassurance given to the crowd in Bury Park and that there were no incidents in the town centre, a small minority decided to act violently.

"There is no justification for their actions and we hope that if there is any future situation of this type, all individuals will respond to the direction of the Police and the Council."

The Luton Council of Mosques said: “It is paramount that the people of Luton work with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that there is peace, harmony and safety for all residents of the town, irrespective of faith, colour or ethnicity.”