Four arrested as religious HQ protests 'escalate'

Four people have been arrested after "several incidents of disorder and disruption" were reported in Cheshire near the headquarters of a religious group.

Cheshire Police said officers were made aware of a protest in the Victoria Avenue area of Crewe on Sunday, understood to be outside the Webb House headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).

"While many people were peacefully protesting, several incidents of disorder and disruption were reported over the course of the day," a spokesperson for the force said.

A dispersal order was imposed in the area on Sunday evening, making it an offence for anyone to return to the area for up to 48 hours.

"This has been authorised where there are reasonable grounds to believe it is necessary to reduce the likelihood of members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed, or to prevent crime and disorder," the force said in a post on Facebook.

AROPL hit the headlines recently following a large-scale police raid at its headquarters at the end of April.

It followed allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery among members of the religious group.

There have been growing tensions in the area since, with five people arrested during protests outside the property.

Video footage shared by AROPL online showed people trying to force open the gates to the premises on Sunday and throwing projectiles over the wall.

"Following more than a month of sustained hostile protests, including multiple reported assaults, attempted arson, trespassing, vandalism, racial abuse and hate speech, tonight's events marked a serious escalation," the religion said on Facebook.

"A group of approximately 30–40 individuals gathered outside Webb House, violently shaking gates and throwing bricks and rocks over the walls."

Webb House served as the official place of worship for members of AROPL, they said, adding that it was also the home of many of its members.

"We urge the authorities to take immediate and effective action to restore public safety and bring an end to this ongoing campaign of intimidation and violence," they said.

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