Leicester is sometimes held up as a success story in multicultural Britain. The city is a melting pot where people of all creeds and colours live side-by-side. However, recent events have tarnished that reputation.
Over the weekend, once again there were violent clashes between Hindus and Muslims in the east of the city. Leicestershire Police announced last night that a total of 47 arrests have been made, for offences ranging from assault to violent disorder.
On Saturday, an ‘unplanned protest’ by a group of Hindu young men triggered a counterprotest by members of the Muslim community. Young men can be seen in video footage with their hoods up and faces covered (wearing covid masks and balaclavas), walking the streets in large groups looking menacing. They are separated by police. Some can be seen carrying weapons, clearly prepared for violent confrontation. There are moments when it looks like the police are struggling to maintain control; at one point, officers are pelted with bottles.
In one video, a feral mob is seen smashing up a car and attacking the driver
The troubling incidents of recent days appear to be an escalation of violence that broke out after an India v Pakistan cricket match on 28 August, when anti-Pakistan slogans were shouted.
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