Violence flares at English Defence League protest

  • 13 years ago

Violence broke out and missiles were thrown at police as rival protesters gathered in a city for demonstrations earlier.

The English Defence League (EDL) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) were holding protests in Leicester, prompting the city's largest policing operation in 25 years.

Around 1,000 members from each group were expected to descend on the city, police said, although it was not known exactly how many had turned up.

A smoke bomb was thrown from the EDL protesters into police and crowds of press.

Earlier this week, Home Secretary Theresa May authorised a blanket ban on marches in Leicester, but the groups were still permitted to hold static demonstrations in Humberstone Gate East in the city from 2pm to 3.30pm.

The area was shut down by police, with rival groups placed either side of metal barriers.

Officers wearing riot gear and dog handlers worked to keep the crowd under control as bricks and coins were thrown at police.

At least 1,400 officers were drafted in from 12 other forces.

EDL supporters arrived from across the country in coaches throughout the morning.

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