Protesters march from Hanley to Central Forest Park
Around mid‑day on Sunday a demonstration organised by Unite the Right UK set off from Hanley for Central Forest Park amid claims that a girl had been raped there. The group’s co‑founder, Steve Dand, 55, said the purpose of the march was to highlight what he described as an alleged failure by the police to inform the public about the incident and to demand improved safety measures.
Dand said the organisers expected about 150 people to take part, and that a small number of speakers would address the gathering once it reached the park. He framed the demonstration as focused on the safety of women and children and said the campaign was directed at illegal immigration, not people lawfully in the country.
“This is about the police hiding what happened in respect of the girl raped on Central Forest Park. They are not telling people exactly what has been going on. People do not even know it has happened. We are trying to have CCTV put there as well.”
Demands and claims
The protesters called for the installation of CCTV in the park and criticised what they said was a lack of transparency from policing authorities about the alleged incident. The march proceeded from Hanley to Central Forest Park, where organisers said a small rally would take place.
- Organiser: Steve Dand, co‑founder of Unite the Right UK
- Allegation: a girl raped at Central Forest Park (as claimed by organisers)
- Key demands: CCTV at the park and clearer information from police
Context and implications
Demonstrations driven by allegations of sexual violence draw strong public concern and can heighten anxiety locally, particularly in and around public spaces such as parks. Calls for CCTV reflect a wider debate about public safety measures, policing transparency and the balance between civil liberties and surveillance.
As the organisers have made an allegation in public, it is a matter for the relevant authorities to confirm any incident, protect any persons involved and, if appropriate, pursue an investigation. At the time of the march the organisers said they were expecting roughly 150 participants; there has been no statement in the provided material from the police or local council in response to the claims.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Group | Unite the Right UK |
| Organiser | Steve Dand, 55 |
| Route | Hanley to Central Forest Park |
| Expected turnout | About 150 |
Reporters and officials frequently advise those affected by or concerned about incidents of sexual assault to contact the police or specialist support organisations. Any claims made publicly by protest groups should be corroborated through official channels before being treated as established fact.
Further coverage will follow as local authorities or policing bodies respond to the claims and requests from the organisers, including any decision on CCTV provision, public safety measures and the status of any investigation.
