Violent demonstrators have been warned that they are not welcome in Newcastle, ahead of more protests planned in the city this weekend.
Council bosses, police, business leaders, transport officials, and the ambulance service have united in a call to avoid a repeat of the distressing scenes at Grey’s Monument last Saturday.
Police arrested 13 people following clashes last weekend in which members of a counter-protest group that labelled themselves ‘Defenders of Newcastle’ allegedly hurled objects that injured officers and Black Lives Matter (BLM) activists.
And on Thursday five further arrests were made with police warning of more action to come.
Organisers of Newcastle’s BLM campaign have moved another anti-racism protest this weekend away from the Monument to Times Square, in the hope of avoiding more violence.
In an open letter signed by Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police, business group NE1, Metro operator Nexus, and the North East Ambulance service, the city’s leaders said that the widely-condemned disorder “has no place here or anywhere else”.
They also urged all protesters to think twice about making their way into the city centre because of the coronavirus pandemic, warning that "complacency is our greatest enemy in the fight against the virus".
The letter reads: “The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy, and it is part of what makes Newcastle a great northern city.
“But the disorder seen last Saturday from a small minority has no place here or anywhere else.
“This weekend more protests are planned. It is also the first weekend of shops reopening after lockdown. It’s expected to be busy. Retailers are working hard to keep their businesses afloat in these anxious times and we wish them well.
“While we always facilitate the right to lawful protest, we would urge people to take heed of the Public Health advice.
“Mass gatherings are currently banned for more than six people due to the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We ask people to think twice about coming to the city to protest in the current circumstances and make their views known in other ways.
“Anybody who comes into our city with the intention of causing serious disorder is not welcome.
“A number of arrests were made on Saturday as a result of the protest activity and several more suspects have been brought into custody this week as a police investigation continues.”
The 'Defenders of Newcastle' group, which denies having a "far right" affiliation, insisted on Facebook that supporters would still make a "major show of presence" at the Monument – though the BLM organisers have claimed that police are likely to prevent any demonstrations happening there.
The city leaders’ open letter adds: “The city centre and shops have been remodelled to assist social distancing. Everyone needs to keep two metres apart from those not in their household or bubble, practise good hand hygiene, wear face coverings on public transport and avoid overcrowded pinch points.
“Complacency is our greatest enemy in the fight against the virus. We don’t just owe it to ourselves and to each other but also to the care workers, paramedics, doctors and nurses who have toiled under great pressure for months to save lives.
“Our diverse friendly city has shown real grit and determination throughout a pandemic which has amplified inequalities in society.
“The safety of everyone is our utmost priority. However, people must also take responsibility for themselves to tackle the invisible enemy that is COVID-19.
"The virus is still out there and so we remind everyone to behave in a way which does not spread it. Stay safe.”
The letter is signed by council leader Nick Forbes and chief executive Pat Ritchie, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, Assistant Chief Constable Helen McMillan, Nexus chief operating officer Martin Kearney, NE1 chief executive Adrian Waddell, and ambulance service deputy chief executive Paul Liversidge.
