TWENTY one people are today waking up in custody, following disorder at yesterday’s English Defence League protest in Dudley Town Centre.

West Midlands Police are beginning a post event investigation into various disorder and criminal offences which occurred during the protest – including incidents of criminal damage to buildings and disorder in pockets around the town centre.

A team of detectives are also beginning the significant task of trawling hours of CCTV footage which recorded the event.

A total of 21 arrests were made during the day, including 17 for violent disorder, two for affray, one for a public order offence and one for possessing an offensive weapon.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe, condemned the violence which erupted at the end of the EDL rally.

She said: “It is very disappointing that we are today dealing with a number of people in custody and an investigation into disorder which took place yesterday’s efforts.

“A great deal of effort went into facilitating a peaceful protest by the EDL.

“We worked very hard to try and make this event pass off peacefully.

“It is hugely disappointing that despite these efforts there was still elements from the English Defence League and local youth’s intent on causing disorder.”

The Asst Chief Constable added: “Every effort will be made to indentify those causing disorder and criminal behaviour and bring them to justice.

“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“We will not allow a minority to undermine good relations between Dudley and wider areas and local officers will be working hard over the next few weeks to make sure the harmony between local communities continues.”

Police from the force traffic department area also investigating a separate incident, following a road collision in King Street around 4pm as protestors were dispersing from the main demonstration site.

Six people, aged between 16 to 45 years-old were taken to hospital following a collision with a car.

Their injuries ranged from minor hand and leg complaints to a broken pelvis.

A man later came forward to speak to police about the incident.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest it was deliberate.

A force spokesman said: “We are in the very early stages of the investigation but initial witness accounts suggest a family car was caught up in a small pocket of protesters.

“Whilst trying to work its way clear the car collided with some of the protesters as they left the protest area.”

Anyone with any information about any of yesterday’s events are urged to contact West Midlands Police on 0345 113 5000.