Counter-protest swamps EDL 'national rally'

Just 300 EDL supporters and fascists from a myriad of splinter groups turned up for a "national rally" that was supposed to "unite the right."

But they were met by 300 police and were vastly outnumbered by a Unite Against Fascism counter-demonstration.

The rallies brought most of Manchester city centre to a standstill.

The assorted neonazis and football hooligans resorted to violence, hurling coins and bottles at the anti-fascists when one unfurled a banner bearing the words "nazi scum."

A handful of EDL supporters were arrested.

Fighting broke out among the EDL themselves and more arrests were made as it continued at the city's Victoria station.

In all there were 15 arrests.

Anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate estimated that there were around 600 EDLers in Manchester on Saturday, but many failed to leave the pub to march.

Manchester Labour councillor Andrew Fender said: "The EDL is a far-right group who have a history of racism, violence and football hooliganism.

"The EDL is not welcome in Manchester. It is vital that the communities of Greater Manchester demonstrate they will not tolerate the EDL's attempts to spread racial hatred and divisive policies."

Greater Manchester Police Authority has called on the government to cover the cost of policing EDL events.

The city has been targeted six times by the EDL, costing an estimated £1 million.

As in the rest of England, the northern EDL has become severely fractured, with the formation of break-away groups such as the Northern Infidels.