Police given extra powers at Tommy Robinson protest

A section 34 dispersal order has been granted in Oxford city centre following reports of anti-social behaviour.

It means power can order people to leave the area and failure to do so, or returning until the order expires at 4am on Thursday, can lead to an arrest.

A spokesman from Thames Valley Police said: “Under the order, police have powers to disperse any individual or groups causing public disorder or nuisance.

“It is not to prevent those taking part in peaceful protest this evening.

“Anybody dispersed under this order is liable to arrest should they refuse to comply with the order or return to the area while the order is in place.

“The order is currently in place until 4am tomorrow (18/6), with the option to extend it if necessary.

READ MORE: Tommy Robinson protestors clash with counter demonstration in Oxford

“This order is in relation to incidents involving a group of young people in the city centre this evening.

“It is not part of our work to facilitate the peaceful protests that are still taking place in the city centre.”

Dozens of police vans were parked up around the city on Thursday evening, with even more officers on standby for if trouble was to boil over.

Many police officers had to blockade both supporters and objectors of Tommy Robinson from clashing with one another.