Police have been criticised over their handling of a protest march in Cardiff after video footage emerged of violence erupting during it. Bar stools and glasses were thrown as thousands of people opposed to Israel's military action in Gaza took part. MP Stephen Doughty has raised concerns and a Newport councillor said South Wales Police's policing was "poor". Ch Insp Dan Howe said: "The police were there to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the vast majority of people behaved in a calm and sensible way, however extra officers attended to provide reassurance to the community. Unfortunately not all of those in Cardiff yesterday afternoon were well-behaved and violence broke out with a small minority which disrupted an otherwise peaceful demonstration." He added: "Disruption was kept to a minimum and the rally went on to conclude peacefully and we are grateful for the support we received from the local community." Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, who took part in the rally organised by organisations including Cardiff Stop the War Coalition, had earlier raised concerns over the policing. Mr Doughty told BBC Wales: "I've had a number of conversations with the police about the events and I'm assured the police are investigating the matter thoroughly." "There were police and PCSOs and they were monitoring the situation.I was taking part in the march and I witnessed the incident on St Mary Street.The march itself was very peaceful but there were some unpleasant things being said from outside and I think some guys were throwing things from outside the Walkabout." "I didn't witness the incident on Mill Lane but I spoke to some people straight after saying glasses had been thrown. I phoned the police immediately." Newport councillor Majid Rahman said the marchers heard racist chants as they made their way past Walkabout on St Mary Street before the violence erupted on Mill Lane. "A lot of marchers were injured but because there was no police presence, the people who hurled glasses, tables and chairs got away with it," he said. "South Wales Police were poor - it was a lack of presence. When I got back to City Hall, I saw two police officers then a van of police officers turned up, but by then it was too late because we were back safe at City Hall. The response was inadequate, it was poor and they need to answer for this." After the rally a man, 22, from Caerphilly, was arrested for assault and a 33-year-old man from Pontypridd for affray. Neither were from the rally group, police said. Both have been bailed pending further inquiries and police are speaking to witnesses and examining footage of the event. Thr march organisers have said We Let the world know loud and clear, Wales supports Palestine. Stop Bombing Gaza. End the Occupation. Lift the Siege. Let the Refugees Return. Free Palestine. Initiated by Cardiff Stop the War Coalition. Supported by Unite the Union Wales, PCS Wales trade union, CND Cymru, Abergavenny Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Swansea Palestine Community Link, Wales Bangladesh Community in UK, Cardiff Trades Council and others. Adam Johannes, Cardiff Stop the War Coalition & Organiser of Wales March For Gaza. The protest didn't 'turn violent' rather it was the victim of violent and criminal behaviour. I personally witnessed and other testimony it appears that what occurred was the most outrageous behaviour many of us have ever witnessed in Cardiff, from two pubs, a small group of hardcore racists chanted racist abuse, threw beer over Muslim demonstrators and hurled glasses and chairs at the march. There were many young children and babies present and it is lucky none were hurt. Demonstrators spontaneously held back people who quite naturally wanted to respond to such disgusting behaviour from racists made more confident perhaps in the poisonous atmosphere created by UKIP and others. It was a testimony to the discipline of demonstrators that no major confrontation took place. The march was peacefully and ended in a rally. The actions of half a dozen racists must not be used to detract from the actions of 5000 people marching for Palestine in an incredible spirit of unity: Whatever anyone says - we all know this was a significant march, we all know that it was a peaceful march, we all know that there will be even bigger protests to come and we all know that Palestine will be free. Watch the Raw footage: http://youtube.com/watch?v=EINKakoh-T8 Watch coverage on Bangla TV: http://youtube.com/watch?v=laonUFpr9Dk Watch BBC News Wales coverage: http://bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-28528441 Part Captured by Monsur Media; http://facebook.com/MonsurMedia

• published: 29 Jul 2014
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