Members of the far-right group Pegida (Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the West) are to hold a demonstration in Birmingham today.

The group, which started in Germany, has said it is worried about the rise in the number of people who adhere to a strict interpretation of Islam. The rally today is its second in the UK, with the first held in Newcastle last February.

The event has been organised by the founder of the English Defence League Tommy Robinson.

The Pegida demonstration will begin at Birmingham International at 2pm and will involve a short march to Birmingham International Business Park, where the rally will begin.

Organisers say the protest will be a “peaceful, silent demonstration against radical Islam” as part of a Europe-wide day of action involving Pegida branches in different countries. Publicity material says the demonstration is against “mass immigration and Islamisation”.

The walk will be peaceful and silent so please ensure that there is NO chanting. NO consumption of alcohol will be allowed, anyone seen consuming alcohol will have it taken away or be asked to leave the Walk, there are to be NO face coverings if you wear one you will be asked to remove it. Please do not wear colours from other Organisations/groups as well as Flags from other Organisations/groups." Pegida UK

Opponents of the group are also rallying at Victoria Square in the city centre who say that the group is attempting to "bring division" to Birmingham.

Birmingham is a diverse and multicultural city and we are proud of this. We stand against Pegida and their racist, Islamophobic and fascist views. Salma Yaqoob, activist

West Midlands Police say they will have a "significant" presence at both events and have said that they will not tolerate any trouble ahead of the protest. However, Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has said neighbourhood policing will "suffer" at the weekend as a result of the protests.