Police make arrests as violence continues after Asia Cup match in Leicester

Image by Leicester Live

The High Commission of India has spoken out against the continued violence against the Indian community in Leicester, which began after India won T20 Asia Cup match against Pakistan last month.

In a press statement released by the HCI on 19 September, 2022, it stated: “ We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated against the Indian Community in Leicester and vandalisation of premises and symbols of the Hindu religion. We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks. We call on the authorities to provide protection to the affected people.”

According to media reports, the past few days have seen “large-scale” and “serious” disorder in the English city after street brawls were reported to have occurred between large groups of Hindus and Muslims.

Leicestershire Police temporary chief constable Rob Nixon said, “We have had numerous reports of an outbreak of disorder in parts of the east Leicester area of the city.”

So far, fifteen people have been arrested in east Leicester “to deter further disorder” during a policing operation on Sunday night. This comes after two people were arrested earlier in connection with the incidents on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

In a statement, Leicestershire Police said: “Officers became aware of groups of young men gathering on Sunday afternoon in the North Evington area of the city.

“Officers spoke to them and took steps, including putting in place a temporary police cordon, to minimise harm and disturbance to communities.”

A police spokesman informed, “Several incidents of violence and damage have been reported to the police and are being investigated.

“We are aware of a video circulating showing a man pulling down a flag outside a religious building on Melton Road, Leicester.

“This appears to have taken place while police officers were dealing with public disorder in the area. The incident will be investigated.

“Two arrests were made – one man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and one man on suspicion of possession of a bladed article. They remain in police custody. “We are continuing to call for dialogue and calm with support from local community leaders. We will not tolerate violence or disorder in our city.”