A peace march will be held in Leeds less than a week after a Polish shopkeeper in Bramley was subjected to alleged racial abuse.
Organisers of the march say the event will happen on Saturday at Dortmund Square, off The Headrow, 12pm to 1.30pm.
@WLDispatch In relation to what happened in Bramley an anti-racism/xenophobia demo has been called for Saturday. https://t.co/waLuedu8OH
— Alex Webster (@Alex_webster_) 30 June 2016
Posting on Facebook, march organiser George Leeman, from Leeds, said:
“After a huge increase in xenophobic, racist attacks against migrants and British citizens of migrant descent, we are calling for a march of solidarity to show that in our city, we will not tolerate hate and bigotry.
“This is not called by any political party, organisation or campaign group – it doesn’t matter if you voted IN or OUT.
“This march is for everyone who wants to show their opposition to racist abuse. Bring banners, music, and loud voices.
“This is about people not political organisations, so please leave recruitment material at home.”
The Dispatch reported on Tuesday that police are seeking a man who allegedly racially abused a Polish shopkeeper in Bramley. The shopkeeper was taken to hospital after the treatment.
The peace march in Leeds is partially a result of the incident.
We also featured the anti-racism backlash from shocked local residents.