Unite Against Fascism stand up to EDL (From Asian Image)

Unite Against Fascism stand up to EDL

4:43pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in Feeds

Hundreds of protesters have taken part in two marches by the English Defence League and Unite Against Fascism.

Violence was kept at bay as some 2,200 officers policed around 900 protesters who took part in the two marches in Leicester city centre this afternoon.

Between 500 and 700 protesters were thought to have taken part in the English Defence League march, while 200 are expected to have marched for Unite Against Fascism.

Leicestershire Police said the marches had been largely peaceful and that no arrests had been made during the demonstrations.

Officers were drafted in from across the country to help police today’s rallies.

A police spokesperson said there were 404 extra resources, including 227 officers, on patrol on top of normal policing levels today.

The groups were led around two separate routes through the city centre today.

The marches started just after 12.30pm and lasted around 90 minutes.

Roads in the city centre were closed and bus routes moved to avoid disruption during the marches.