POLICE AND members of the English Defence League clashed on Grays High Street this afternoon after a Muslim stall was upturned and threats were made to burn a copy of the Koran.
Member of the EDL and United against Fascism (UAF) had gathered near to Grays Railway Station around lunchtime today (Saturday).
Both groups clashed at Grays Railway Station where the EDL attempted to get the UAF supporters back on the trains.
A number of EDL walked down the High Street where they saw a stall run by the Ahmadyya Association.
According to chairperson Basharad Ahamd Pir: “They scattered all our books and turned the stall over. One of them then got a lighter out and held the Koran and demanded that we burn it.
“It was very frightening but we remained calm. We are here to preach peace and love and will be back next week”.
Mr Pir thanked the local MP’s Jackie Doyle Price and Stephen Metcalfe who were manning a “No to AV” stall around the corner.
On police arrival, Ms Doyle Price pointed them to where the EDL were protesting.
Both MPs roundly condemned the activities and met with the stallholders afterwards to ensure they were alright.
Essex Police confirmed that they had been called to a number of incidents.
A spokesperson said: “We were called to Grays railway station after reports that members of the EDL had gathered there.
“We kept them under close observation near the area. There were no arrests.”
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