Anti-Islamic Group Plans Demo

A right-wing group will march against 'Islamic fundamentalists' in Manchester this weekend.

The English Defence League (EDL), which insists it is not linked to the British National Party, will stage a demonstration in the city centre on Saturday.

Greater Manchester Police said it has been contacted by organisers of the protest.

On its website, EDL claims not to have any connections with the BNP and dismisses suggestions it is a racist group.

EDL says it was established to hold peaceful protests in opposition to Islamic extremists and the practice of Shari'ah Law in England.

Unite Against Fascism has planned a counter protest in Manchester on Saturday.

Both groups will hold their demonstrations in the afternoon at a time when families and shoppers will be visiting the city centre in large numbers.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said a large security operation would be in place.

Under law, police do not have the power to ban protests which consist of a static assembly of people.

Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan, of GMP's North Manchester Division, said: "Greater Manchester Police has a good relationship with the diverse communities in our area.

"We understand their concerns, so we have been working closely with a range of local community representatives, Manchester City Council and other agencies to plan for the event.

"We will be working hard to maintain communication with the local community and partners in the run-up to, during Saturday and in the days and weeks that follow."

He said anyone found exploiting the demonstrations by behaving in a criminal, racist or anti-social way will be dealt with appropriately.

(PR/BMcC)