Leicester police warn trouble-makers from ruining Diwali celebrations, promise 'swift action'

Leicester police have warned trouble-makers to stay away from Diwali celebrations in the city and added that officers were briefed to take 'strict actions' against perpetrators. 

Last week, Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon wished everyone a Happy Diwali and urged for peace during celebrations in the city.

"My message to everyone is that we want the celebrations to continue as normal. It is a matter of great importance to me that our communities feel safe as they begin Diwali. September has been a challenging month for many of us in Leicester but I am delighted that the Navratri celebrations went well, and we have not let a small minority ruin what is important to us in this great city," Nixon said in his message.

He revealed that there will be increased policing operation in the city, adding that drones will also be deployed.

"We will be deploying our drones to support with capturing crowd movements and aid us to respond quickly to any potential disorder," he said.

The police had on Friday (7) ordered a ban of setting off fireworks and sparklers in public places, which can result in a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence.

The region over and around the Cossington Park in Belgrave was declared No Drone Zone on October 9 and 10 (2pmto 2am) - as well as on October 24 and 25.

Nixon added: "I am asking people to please not share rumour or speculation or misinformation as we know it can cause so much harm. We will be continuing to monitor social media channels and correcting fake news where possible but I reiterate my plea to ask people to not share information that they don’t know is true.

"For those that may consider causing trouble in Leicester I would urge you not to get involved. We have a significant number of officers out and they are briefed to take swift action."

Report anything suspicious to us on 101 or online. If a crime is in progress or life is in danger call 999, officers said.

The city has witnessed communal clashes in the past few weeks between small sections of the Hindu and Muslim communities. As many as 55 people were arrested so far in connection with these incidents.

Meanwhile, 40,000 people have attened the switch-on of lights event to mark Diwali in Leicester, one of the largest events held outside India, on Sunday (9).

Live entertainment as part of the celebrations started in the evening and the switch-on of 6,000 lights took place at 19:30, reports said.

"It's always a special night in Leicester when we switch on our Diwali lights. Tonight was spectacular. Thank you to everyone, especially the University of Leicester, who made tonight such a success," Jonathan Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, wrote on Twitter.

Police said that due to a 'visible but reassuring presence' of officers no untoward incidents were reported during the event.