Scuffles broke out between members of the right-wing Football Lads Alliance (FLA) and the police on Saturday, after the group took to the streets of Sunderland to demonstrate against the local authorities’ alleged lack of action against rape and child sexual offenses.
Police made at least two arrests as protesters attempted to storm police lines. The Football Lads Alliance joined a rally which was organized by Justice for Women and Children Group, which has staged earlier demonstrations in response to sexual assaults in Sunderland. Hundreds of others associated with Sunderland Unites and Stand Up To Racism North East formed counter demonstrations.