Arrests as mosque protest is halted

Ten people have been arrested during a demonstration outside a mosque in north London where an anti-Islamic rally was due to be held.

At least 1,000 people gathered outside the mosque in Harrow where activists from a group called Stop Islamification of Europe were planning to meet. Another group called Unite Against Fascism said they were there to “defend the mosque”. Hundreds of youths, some covering their faces with scarves – confronted police and broke through a cordon in an effort to reach rival demonstrators. Officers in riot gear came under attack from bricks, bottles and fireworks as running battles broke out. The SIOE claim they were going to hold a peaceful protest against the construction of a five storey mosque next to the one already in central Harrow. But organisers called the protest off after one of their officials was detained by police. Nine people were held in custody after being arrested for possession of offensive weapons, including a hammer and chisel and bottles of bleach. No-one is believed to have been seriously hurt.