Police measures announced ahead of weekend protests and football match

There will be a visible policing presence and measures to prevent any possible disorder in Oxford on Saturday (1/11), including steps to ensure activity remains peaceful and does not coincide with large crowds expected at a nearby football match on the same day.  

A protest and counter-protest about asylum seekers is due to take place at the Holiday Inn hotel in Grenoble Road, Littlemore, on the same afternoon as Oxford United play a home game at the Kassam Stadium, also on Grenoble Road at 3pm. 

To prevent serious disruptions and disorder, Public Order Act conditions are being imposed to ensure both protests conclude by 12.30pm and do not restart until 7pm. 

A dispersal order will also be in place in parts of Littlemore from 8am on Saturday (1/11) to 8am on Monday (3/11), giving officers powers to move individuals on and seize items linked to anti-social behaviour. 

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said: “Everyone has the right to protest peacefully, but we will always take appropriate steps to ensure our communities remain safe. We ask everybody taking part in the protests to be considerate of the local communities and to keep disruption to a minimum. 

“We are aware of recent tensions involving anti-asylum seeker protesters and residents of the Holiday Inn hotel. We want to be clear: any criminal activity - whether from protesters or residents - will not be tolerated. Swift and proportionate action will be taken against anyone committing criminal offences.  

“While we will have a significant police presence, we also encourage anyone with information about behaviour that may require police investigation to come forward.  

“Working together and alongside the community, helps us protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.”  

Public Order Act conditions have been implemented on both protests to prevent serious disruption and disorder. Failing to comply with these conditions, or encouraging others not to do so, is an offence and can lead to arrest. The details of the conditions are set out below. 

For more information about the orders, including a map, please read our full press release - Police measures announced ahead of weekend protests and football match | Thames Valley Police