WITH reference to Sue Lister’s comments (Don’t demonise urge to dissent, Letters, May 24) with regard to police tactics used during a demonstration in January last year, first I concur that every responsible law-abiding citizen in this country retains the right to demonstrate peacefully and have freedom of speech.

However, having been on duty at the pointed end in London for many a year, in some cases events became riot situations, when offensive weapons such as wooden sticks, chairs, etc, were used, in such circumstances the rules of engagement have to be reassessed at any given moment.

Most gatherings are conducted with tact and good humour, until antagonists from extreme radical movements infiltrate with their own agenda.

Flashpoints can arise at any given moment, although intelligence gathering beforehand reduces the risk of escalation.

Unfortunately, when this happens innocent bystanders and police officers are subject to injury during the melee.

Arrests are made to remove the main culprits in the first instance, and any person charged has the opportunity to appear before a court of law.

If one considers the draconian measures instigated by other police forces throughout the world, in some cases without trial, consider which side of the fence you prefer to be on.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.