THE strength of feeling shown by people standing up for community cohesion at Friday's rally outside Harrow Central Mosque is a testament to the tolerance of the borough.
Most people joined the anti-fascism protest in a peaceful capacity by either simply being there to help build numbers or by chanting or holding up posters.
In any event, no more than 30 members of the Stop Islamisation Of Europe (SIOE) 9/11 memorial march turned up. It was a shame a minority of the 1,000-strong pro-mosque crowd, who had become pumped up with expectation of some sort of confrontation, ended up chasing down any rumour of a SIOE sympathiser, resulting in several examples of innocent passers-by being caught up in the violence and sometimes sadly becoming the victim.
The SIOE brigade was effectively routed but unfortunately sporadic clashes between groups of young Muslims and riot police detracted, if not undermined, the work the good natured, non-violent gathering did for the spirit of unity and the commitment that exists day-to-day in Harrow.
Details of the arrests attest to the fact that a contingency of rather more militant protesters came from outside ready for a fight.
Community leaders have been quick to condemn the disorder and violent outbursts that drew headlines, and hopefully any future provocative and divisive demonstrations can be quickly seen off.
