PROTESTS have been staged across the country since the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last month.

On the night of May 22, the day of the soldier’s death, more than 250 EDL members gathered on the streets of Woolwich and threw bottles at police officers.

Days later, BNP and anti-fascist campaigners clashed in central London despite pleas from Drummer Rigby’s family for people to "show their respect" and not exploit the attack.

News Shopper reporter ANAIS MERLIN took to the streets of Crayford and Mottingham to ask shoppers whether they thought protests were the answer.

Vanessa Rowhani, 18, of Thursley Road in Mottingham said: “These protests can be negative for both sides as it makes Muslims seem as though they are all radical, extremists terrorists, and it makes the white British people seem as though they are all against Muslims.”

Rajivan Vinayadamoorthy, 27, of Crossmead Road in Mottingham said: “Protests are a negative thing and shouldn't happen as they worsen the situation. It leads to people getting more and more frustrated about the situation. People should get together and share their ideas to get a better understanding of one another.”

'Unfair to ban EDL marches'

Robert Freshwater, 31, of Churchberry Road in Eltham said: “It is unfair that BNP marches were banned whilst other Muslim protests weren't. Despite them being good, the protests haven't really made a difference and they haven't helped or worsened the situation.”

Kumar Kanda, 41, from East Ham said: “I’m in favour of peaceful protests by anyone. Anyone should be allowed to march. People should protest peacefully without the use of violence. Protests can be helpful if they are carried out in the correct way.”

Emma Collins, 43, of Brabham Park in Crayford said: “People shouldn't protest as it is not justified. You can't protest against every Muslim based on the acts of two Muslim men. Protests will only make the situation worse as it often leads to violence which never helps a situation.”

'Violent'

Karen Barnes, 42, of Brampton Road in Bexleyheath said: “EDL are more likely to be violent which means that their protests are more violent. These protests can make the situation worse; it should be left to the police to sort out these issues, not the people.”