Derby locals lined the streets of a busy neighbourhood in a show of solidarity and peaceful protest on Wednesday August 7, 2024.
People started congregating in groups on Normanton Road from around 2pm.
It is an area where a mosque and immigration centre is in the vicinity.
A nationwide febrile environment over the past 48-hours was born following lists of immigration centres - along with lawyers’ details who allegedly represent asylum seekers - that was widely circulated online.
The Derby protest follows unrest across the country that saw pockets of violence erupt over the past week, leading to over 400 arrests.
In Derby no disturbances were reported. Police thanked the local community and reiterated its stance on ‘protecting the people of Derbyshire’.
Peaceful protest activity in Derby largely follows the national trend where people came together in a show of unity.
Here are some photos from the protests.
1. Derby protest
Protesters lined both sides of Normanton Road at the protest | Russell Pollard | derbynews.org.uk/2024/08/08/peaceful-protest-in-normanton/
2. Derby protest
Locals gathered on the streets for several hours, chatting among themselves in a peaceful demonstration of unity | Russell Pollard | derbynews.org.uk/2024/08/08/peaceful-protest-in-normanton/
3. Derby protester
A Derby protest saw hundreds of people turn out onto the streets of Derby. One attendee held aloft a 'Just Be Kind' placard at the congregration that saw no disturbances reported. | Vanessa Boon
4. Derby protest
The peaceful protest saw people of all backgrounds come together | Vanessa Boon