A ring of steel surrounded Leeds city centre on Saturday afternoon, as thousands of police officers from across the country descended on West Yorkshire's commercial and financial powerhouse. Their mission: to keep apart rival factions as the 'English Defence League' rally against Islamic extremism was countered by a rival protest of Unite against Fascism supporters. I strolled over to grab some shots, just like every other photographer and Flickr member in Leeds. There were more amateur newshounds and gawping bystanders than protesters, and probably several thousands of pounds more in camera and video equipment than police riot gear. And there was a lot of that.
To the journo's and photographers' evident disappointment, things didn't kick off in a massive riot, though the EDF led police and camera-toting Flickrites on a merry dance through the streets when they left the barricaded cordon in City Square under escort then suddenly broke into a run down Bishopgate Street. Apparently five people were arrested, probably for crimes against photography.
Anyway, Alex wanted to see the riot snaps after I called him from the middle of a police scrum (so he could hear what it sounded like). So here you go... I hope you like 'em.
Anyway, Alex wanted to see the riot snaps after I called him from the middle of a police scrum (so he could hear what it sounded like). So here you go... I hope you like 'em.
4 comments:
Too many shots of lady cops and not enough of dogs thinking the whole thing is a laugh.
Decent stuff but I prefer your portraits and stuff.
David
Thanks dude - I wasn't overwhelmed with excitment about these pictures myself... James Nachtwey doesn't need to lose any sleep yet! Only saw a couple of dogs, and one of those was getting in a van while saying "Wake me up when it's over"...
Anyway, will have to wait for the next public disturbance so I can get some more practice!
I think I recognised Clay in at least one of the photos...
I think he was one of the ones to get arrested...
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