Mayor of Bolton has praised police officers for their response to the demonstration in Victoria Square yesterday. Tensions rose within half-an-hour, of protestors and counter-protestors demonstrating, after more than 200 people , many covering their faces stormed the square before some broke away to Bradshawgate, resulting in a stand-off with police. (Image: Henry Lisowski) Bolton Mayor Andy Morgan praised the policing response and said there were lessons which could be taken forward.
Cllr Morgan said: ‘From what I saw and what I am told, Greater Manchester Police and our Bolton Counci L response teams did an amazing job today and this evening. “Not sure a thank you is enough but that’s all I have from the law abiding majority of TeamBolton. “We start again in the morning and we pick up the pieces.
“There needs to be some lessons learned by all of our community leaders and it is absolutely crucial we take the younger members of our town and borough with us. “Their engagement fosters inclusivity and helps build a cohesive, resilient society. “Fighting and anger on our streets is not the answer.
“Yes people from outside and some from within our town came together to cause division but that is only because we let them. “Let’s take back control. Bolton and our borough is much better than this.
“ During the protest a number of police cars were damaged and fireworks thrown. Crowds were led off by police around 5pm. Violence has broken out in parts of England an.