Statement regarding incident in Cambridge 27th August 2016

Jason Ablewhite, Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner

As I am sure you will be aware, there has been significant coverage in the local and national media resulting from the video generated by Tommy Robinson at the weekend.

I have now had an opportunity to look into the issue with Cambridgeshire Constabulary who confirmed that a group of 18 Luton Town Football Club supporters were asked to leave The Grain Store Pub in Cambridge at about 6.30pm on Saturday. They did this because they believed that public disorder could occur between rival football fans and that as a result, members of the public could be put at risk. The group left peacefully without the need for a dispersal order to be invoked.    

I am satisfied that the action taken by officers at the scene was reasonable and proportionate and in the interests of public safety.

Supplementary statement 02 Sep 2016

Thank you for all the comments you have sent me regarding this incident. I can assure you I have watched the video and I fully appreciate the strength of feeling generated. This incident was not about Mr Robinson. It was relating to a group of football fans of which Mr Robinson was a part.

An official complaint has been received on the incident so I cannot comment further at this time. However, I shall continue to monitor the case closely.