Shop workers felt “intimidated” amid Sunday’s far-right demonstration, but praised police handling of it. Far-right and counter-demonstrators faced each other during a rally against immigration. Fireworks, bottles and eggs were thrown at the ‘Stand Up for Your Country: Enough is Enough’ demonstration in Bolton town centre.
Greater Manchester Police separated the protesters and used powers to stop and search people in the area, and ask them to remove any face coverings. Rachel Fisher, Team Leader of The Coffee House, was working in the town centre café on the day. She said the scene was quite “intimidating,” but praised Greater Manchester Police.
She said: “There were a few people were arrested, but police handled [the demonstration] well. Rachel Fisher, Team Leader at The Coffee House (Image: Newsquest) “There were many teen, 15- to 17-year-old counter-protesters. I don’t think they knew what they were protesting for.
“They just got swept up in the craze of it all.” Erfan Mohamed, owner of Newsbox, closed his shop that day because it was “too risky.” He said: “It’s getting to that stage where you start to feel unsafe because of your colour and religion, but hopefully if the government acts swiftly with whoever’s causing these riots.
“It is getting risky being Asian and Muslim. Erfan Mohamed, owner of Newsbox (Image: Newsquest) “I have three kids. When they watch things like this, they’re scared for their future.
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