Joe McConnell
The women’s county cricket match between Essex and Kent has been postponed due to the threat of far-right protests planned in Chelmsford on Wednesday.
The match was due to take place at the Cloud County Ground, but after consultations with Essex Police and the England Cricket Board it was postponed.
In a statement, Essex Cricket said: “In light of the protests planned for Wednesday 7 August, the match between Essex Women and Kent Women at the Cloud County Ground has been postponed.
“The safety of all spectators, players and staff is paramount to Essex Cricket and the decision to postpone the match follows a period of consultation with Essex Police, the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] and Essex Cricket’s diverse workforce.
“Fans will be notified when a new date is set for the match and ticket buyers will be contacted by the club via email with further information.”
The recent violence surrounding protests in the country was sparked by false claims about the identity of the teenager suspected of killing three girls and wounding others in a knife attack in Southport on July 29, and involved the looting of shops and attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers.
More than 400 people have been arrested in connection with the riots and charges continued on Tuesday evening; the defendants are due to appear in court on Wednesday.
