Protesters in Crewe have vowed to continue nightly demonstrations outside Webb House until the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) leaves, after an April police raid that led to 12 arrests and subsequent legal action. Authorities say most protests have been peaceful, but there have been incidents of disorder, nine arrests and two charges for violence. Locals report intimidation, fires, fireworks and blocked roads, while AROPL alleges attacks and racial hostility. Police stress they are impartial and continue to manage public order as investigations proceed.
Nightly Demonstrations Continue Outside Webb House as Locals Demand AROPL Leaves
Protests have been taking place following police raids at the end of April [BBC]
Protesters are continuing nightly demonstrations outside Webb House in Crewe, the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), saying they will remain until the group leaves the town. The site has been at the centre of a major police inquiry since an April raid that led to multiple arrests; residents report intimidation, loud disturbances and fires, while AROPL says it has faced attacks and racial hostility.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is based at Webb House in Crewe [Cheshire Police]
Background
In April, Cheshire Police carried out a search of Webb House and arrested 12 people as part of an investigation into alleged serious sexual offences, modern slavery and forced marriage. All those detained were later released on bail. Authorities say seven individuals had interim anti‑slavery orders imposed and 25 people are due to appear in court this week charged with obstruction related to the police operation.
Raids were carried out at three addresses in April [Cheshire Police]
Protests And Incidents
Demonstrations began on 3 May after the police completed their search and some AROPL members returned to the property. Organised locally and by visitors from nearby cities, protesters have gathered most nights and in larger numbers at weekends. Police describe the majority of protests as "peaceful," but they have recorded incidents of disorder: nine arrests tied to protest incidents and two charges for violence or threatening behaviour.
Bosses at Cheshire Police said the force was "absolutely impartial on this matter" [BBC]
Videos circulating on social platforms show protesters filming the property and security staff, live streams on TikTok, crowds at gates, and scenes where fireworks reportedly set fires to gates or fencing. Some footage also shows groups pushing at gates and one clip captured a vehicle being blocked from leaving the road outside the property.
Cheshire East Council's leader Nick Mannion said there had been "wild speculation and highly inaccurate reporting" on social media [Cheshire East Council]
Impact On Locals
Local residents have reported a range of reactions. Several people who spoke anonymously to the BBC said their children felt intimidated by the nightly crowds, noise, fires, fireworks and vehicles revving. One resident described being worried about the crowds’ apparent eagerness to provoke or capture confrontations for social media. Others expressed support for the protests or sympathy with the demonstrators’ concerns.
Voices From The Scene
Protesters say they do not intend to be racist or aggressive. Anton Johnson, who said he had attended "nearly every night," described the group at Webb House as a "cult" and insisted demonstrators want the group removed from the area. Protest organiser Ben Parker acknowledged some attendees say racist things but argued these views do not reflect the whole crowd. Daniel Tsimbilakis, 34, who is due to appear in court on charges of using threatening behaviour at one protest, denied supporting those who threw fireworks or tried to breach gates but accused police of "two‑tier policing."
AROPL And Police Statements
AROPL, through its lawyers, described itself as "a peaceful open religion" and said the site had been subjected to "arson attacks" and shouted allegations that showed racial and religious hostility. Cheshire Police emphasised it is not investigating the religion itself and said it recognises everyone has the right to protest. Ch Insp Matt Sanders, head of the Crewe local policing unit, said the force remains "absolutely impartial" and is focused on upholding the law fairly and proportionately.
Social Media And Monetisation
Several protesters and bystanders have been livestreaming on TikTok and posting to Instagram and local Facebook groups; some streams have included appeals for donations or subscription options. TikTok told the BBC it removed one video it reviewed and that most content it saw was bystander or commentary material. The platform also said it does not allow monetisation of live streams that depict real‑world conflict. Meta (Facebook/Instagram) did not respond to the BBC’s questions.
Current Situation
Cheshire Police continue to manage public order and the linked criminal investigations. A new dispersal order has been put in place following disturbances at the site. The situation remains tense: residents seek reassurance and safety, protesters insist they will continue until AROPL leaves, and investigators progress with legal actions related to the April raid and subsequent events.
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