Police have additional powers for protest marches

Anti-immigration protesters are due to gather in the town while Stand Up to Racism is organising a counter-protest.

The Section 60AA order will give officers additional powers to require the removal of face coverings or any other item which is being used for the purpose of concealing someone’s identity.

The order runs from 10am to 6pm and will apply to the area already designated under the Public Spaces Protection Order which encompasses the city centre.

A spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: "These powers may be used by officers involved in the marches as part of our overall aim of facilitating peaceful protest whilst preventing crime and disorder and balancing the rights of others.

"We are engaged with the organisers of both marches, and officers will be deployed throughout the city to reassure local residents, shoppers, and businesses. This will continue throughout the day.

To prevent serious disruption, we have utilised powers under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act, between 11am and 3pm.

These set out legal conditions on organisers and participants around the routes, the length of time of any protest can take place, and the areas where respective groups must convene.

Both protest groups are expected to convene from 11am onwards.

Neither an assembly nor a procession will be allowed on the road surface of Exeter High Street between the corner of Eastgate/High Street and the corner of Catherine Square/High Street [Map Two].

This restriction will also apply to the pavement on the south side of the High Street between the corner of Eastgate/High Street and the corner of Catherine Square/High Street, save the crossing of it by a procession leaving and returning into Bedford Street.