Police dispersed crowd of dozens after protest outside Coventry Hindu temple

There was a police presence outside the Hindu Temple Society Coventry in Stoney Stanton Road



Police used special powers to disperse a crowd of around 50 people that protested outside a Hindu temple in Coventry last night. Yesterday (Thursday September 22) West Midlands Police announced there would be “an appropriate police presence” ahead of the protest outside the Hindu Temple Society Coventry in Stoney Stanton Road.

West Midlands Police also revealed it would have Section 60 and other powers in place for parts of Coventry and Sandwell between 3.30pm yesterday and 6.30am today (Friday September 23). This meant the force had extra powers to stop and search people, could oblige people to remove masks and had the power to disperse groups.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police this afternoon said: "This week we’ve seen protest groups gathering in Smethwick and Coventry. Last night (September 22) we saw around 50 people gather near the Mandir (Hindu temple) in Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry.

"Officers engaged with the group and they were dispersed using special powers which were granted to us. No arrests were made."

On Tuesday (September 20) around 150 people gathered in Smethwick which resulted in some minor disorder. One person was arrested who has since been released with no further action.

The West Midlands Police spokesman added: "The reasons surrounding the protests are complex but we are working closely with community leaders to understand and manage the issues. We continue to ask you to be mindful of misinformation and rumour on social media.

"This can have a serious impact on communities. Please only share information you know to be true. If you are unsure, please do not share it.

"We have seen several incidences fake news and unsubstantiated claims being spread widely online and through messaging apps."