Greater Manchester’s Chief Constable has appealed to people over the weekend not to join in with any protests
Sir Stephen Watson said in a statement released this afternoon that the police are aware that a number of planned demonstrations are due to take place this weekend.
At this time, however, I am directly appealing to all those who might be intending to protest this weekend to consider whether this is really the right time.
You could do the responsible and sensitive thing and refrain, on this occasion, from protesting in a manner which is likely to add to the trauma currently being experienced by our Jewish community.
We can’t and wouldn’t seek to stop peaceful gatherings, however, we will act immediately to curtail any acts of violence, intimidation or threat. In circumstances where protests do occur over the coming days, we will act robustly in all circumstances to uphold the law.
I would call upon the common decency and humanity of all people across Greater Manchester to aid us in seeking to support our Jewish communities following such a horrific attack.
