TWO men have been arrested outside a library during a row between protesters over a drag queen’s book reading event.
There has been a large group protesting in solidarity for drag queen Aida H Dee on the launch of their new book.
They got into an altercation with a “smattering” of anti-drag protesters, including Piers Corbyn, who were holding signs saying “keep drag away from our children”.
Two men were arrested outside Hove Library in Church Road this afternoon.
A 64-year-old man was arrested for allegedly spitting on someone, the other man, 28, was arrested for allegedly causing criminal damage to a mobile phone.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Two people have been arrested during a protest at an event outside Hove Library this afternoon.
“One person has been taken into custody following an allegation of spitting and one person is in custody on suspicion of criminal damage to a mobile phone.
“Officers remain in attendance to ensure the safety of everybody involved and minimise disruption to the wider public.
“Police are in contact with the organisers of the events and protesters and continue to monitor the situation.”
The solidarity protest was due to be at Woodingdean Library in Warren Road at 3pm this afternoon.
Sussex Police confirmed no arrests were made at Brighton Jubilee Library where there was a tense stand off between protesters.
The protests started at Brighton Jubilee Library in Jubilee Street, Brighton, around 10am this morning.
It moved on to Hove Library in Church Street by 1pm, where the arrests happened.
The solidarity protest moved onto Woodingdean Library in Warren Road, Brighton, at 3pm.
Our reporter Zac Sherratt was at the scene in Brighton this morning.
He said: "Hundreds of people have turned out to show their support for the drag queen inside the library, while just a smattering can be seen on the other side of the road who are against the event.
"They are branded "fascists" by the supporters Aida H Dee."
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