Tommy Robinson protest fizzles out as only a handful of demonstrators turn up to demand former EDL leader’s release from jail
Just a handful of "Free Tommy" protesters turned up to the event in Cambridge earlier today
A TOMMY Robinson protest flopped today after just a handful demonstrators turned up to demand the former EDL leader's release from prison.
Hundreds of supporters were expected to gather in Cambridge this afternoon but just a handful were spotted and were outnumbered by anti-fascist groups.
Despite the small turnout, scenes quickly turned ugly and one Robinson protester was arrested after three cops were covered in red dye.
The officers had to receive medical treatment after being exposed to the substance and pictures show cops detaining one man at the scene.
There was a heavy police presence in the city throughout the day as officers had to try and deal with an anti-racism protest which was taking place at the same time.
Stand Up to Racism (SUR) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) organised a counter protest and posters read “Oppose Tommy Robinson. Don’t let the racists divide us”.
According to reports online, it is believed they outnumbered Robinson supporters “20 to 1”. An early report suggested just nine people had arrived for the protest.
Luke Alexander organised the “Free Tommy” march but said he was “disappointed” with the number of people who joined him today.
He told : “Yeah definitely I’m disappointed, half the problem is getting across the event is legit and getting it shared through social media.
“The event only got shared on the Free Tommy page last night. If it had been done at the beginning then we’d have much more support.
“There’s possibly a bit more support in Bedford because it’s close to Luton which is where Tommy is from, but it’s hard to get support off the ground in a city like Cambridge.”
Meanwhile, two police officers were injured and three people were arrested after clashes during an EDL protest in Worcester today.
The EDL staged a protest against plans to build a mosque in the city.
Footage shared online showed a female police liaison officer on the ground following a scuffle.
West Mercia Police said two officers were injured, "but thankfully neither is thought to be seriously hurt".
Three people were arrested for minor public order offences, the force said.
There has been a strong “Free Tommy” movement in the UK after the 35-year-old was jailed for 13 months in May for contempt of court.
The EDL co-founder, from Luton, Beds, was arrested outside Leeds Crown Court after he broadcast footage which could prejudice an ongoing trial.
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Cambridge Police said today: “Three officers have been exposed to a red dye.
“An individual has been detained in respect of this. Officers are receiving onsite medical treatment but there are no serious injuries.
“An investigation into the incident has commenced.”
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