British police prepared for far-right agitators. They found peaceful anti-racism protesters instead

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Far-right demonstrations that had been anticipated by police in dozens of locations across Britain failed to materialize as anti-racism protesters instead showed up in force. Police had prepared for another night of violence Wednesday at 100 locations following a week of rioting and disorder fueled by misinformation over a stabbing attack against young girls. Stand up to Racism and other groups had planned counter-protests in response, but in most places they reclaimed their streets with nothing to oppose. In London, Bristol, Oxford, Liverpool and Birmingham, large, peaceful crowds gathered outside immigration agencies and law firms that had been listed as possible targets of far-right activity.