ATV Today: 16.08.1977: National Front Riots in Ladywood

Summary

National Front riots at Ladywood in Birmingham during which police armed with plastic riot shields form a human barricade across the road to separate the demonstrators.

Year:

1977

Duration:

0:07:55

Film type:

Colour / Sound

Company:

ATV

Master format:

16mm

Description

(The item is a mixture of broadcast material and trims). Shots of police being bombarded by missiles and forming a line across a road to prevent anti-Fascist demonstrators (many with placards supporting Ladywood by-election candidate Raghib Ahsan) from reaching Boulton Road School where the National Front were holding a meeting. Shots of police cars with smashed windscreens and injured police officer being helped away. Views of the subsequent clear up outside local businesses where many windows were smashed. Exterior shots of Boulton Road school with anti National Front graffiti painted. Brian MacLaurin interviews with local residents about the horrific scenes they witnessed during the street battles. Interview with local vicar, Mr. Moss, about his criticism of the police and current public opinion that the National Front movement has police protection. Also discussing the need to ban political extremist rallies, particularly, with the inevitable clashes between left and right groups. Interview with Bill Donaldson, Assistant Chief Constable of the West Midlands, about his praise for the police operation in the area and talking about the 58 policemen who were injured during the riots. Tony Maycock interview with an injured policeman in hospital about the injuries he received when his van was attacked by demonstrators throwing bricks. Brief shots of National Front meeting being addressed by the Chairman of the National Front movement, John Tyndall.


Credits

No credits specified