Rumours of Potential Business Interruption this Weekend

31st May 2013

Dear Member We have been made aware of rumours about potential business interruption this weekend in the city centre.

The South Yorkshire Police have issued the following statement: "South Yorkshire Police are aware that the English Defence League (EDL) are seeking to place wreaths and hold a minutes silence at war memorials around the country in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby. Many of these are timed to coincide with lunchtime on Saturday 1st June. The key messages from the organisers are that these events will be peaceful and respectful. Events within the county are expected in Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. No formal applications for any marches by the EDL have been received by SYP and there is no reliable information that any organised event will either take place or begin at Meadowhall Shopping Centre. A number of rumours and comments that have been made on social media have been assumed to be fact by many people and they are having a disproportionate negative impact on the community. SYP are aware of these rumours and are actively working to negate them wherever possible. The Force's advice to all of our communities is very much "business as usual". Extra police resources will be available and on patrol to deal with any eventualities. Anyone with any information that may relate to tensions within the community, or any activity by any extremist group or their sympathisers should contact the police on the 101 number". Regards, Richard Executive Director