UPDATE: Four charged after protests in part of Lancashire

Monday, August 5, 2024

Four people have been charged by police after protests in parts of Lancashire on Saturday (August 3).

​Officers arrested 22 people, with 20 of those people arrested in Blackpool, one person arrested in Blackburn and one person arrested in Preston.

​Of those detained, 18 were bailed with four people now charged.

• Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, has been charged with Section 4 racially aggravated public order. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, August 5).

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• Ben Smith, 32, of Dickson Road, Blackpool was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

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• Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

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• A 17-year-old boy, of no fixed abode, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

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Deputy Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie, of Lancashire Constabulary said: “Four people have been charged, and a number of people have been arrested, however this is only the beginning of our enquiries. We have a dedicated team reviewing CCTV, and I expect there to be further arrests.

“These charges reflect just how seriously we are taking these offences. We will not tolerate this behaviour in our county, and we will identify you, find you and bring you to justice if you are committing these crimes.

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“The scenes in Blackpool we saw on Saturday, by those intent on causing disorder, has nothing to do with legitimate protest or the tragic events of last Monday.

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“The support we have had from local communities for our police officers has been greatly appreciated.

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“We will always put the safety of the public first and are incredibly grateful for your support. Be assured we will continue to police in such a way that puts the needs of our communities at the heart of everything that we do.”