Councillors, police and community leaders agree independent review into Leicester unrest

An independent review is set to take place into recent religious unrest in Leicester, the BBC has reported.

Forty-seven arrests have been made as a result of tensions between parts of the Hindu and Muslim communities in the city.

Last weekend more than 300 people were involved in an unplanned protest in East Leicester, Leicestershire Police said. Police are also investigating an incident in which a flag was seen to be pulled down outside a religious building.

According to the mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, community leaders, councillors and local police agreed to commission an independent review on Wednesday (September 21), the BBC has reported.

“My intention is to have a review of what led up to the events at the weekend, and also to seek some independent thoughts on how we all - council, police and communities - can learn from this, and what we can do at a local level to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” the mayor told the BBC.

In an open letter, Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “During nearly 30 years of policing I have known Leicester to be a harmonious place. In recent weeks some people have tried to break that harmony.

“The vast majority of people in our communities want our city to be peaceful, tolerant and safe. These voices and their will is strong in our proudly diverse city.”

He added: “A small number have tried to cause division, have committed crimes, and seek disorder. Local people have been afraid. My officers and staff have taken robust action in recent weeks to deal with those people. That work continues.
The Chief Constable also renew the police force’s commitment to working with its local communities, Leicester City Council and local organisations “to restore harmony in East Leicester”.
Adam Carey