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A fiercely opposed English Defence League (EDL) march through one of east London's most diverse town centres saw roads blocked off and a heavy police presence as hundreds of protesters turned out to face them.

EDL members planned the rally in Walthamstow this afternoon because they claim the area has become an “Islamist Bandit Country”.

But hundreds more turned out to join a counter-demonstration organised by Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and We Are Waltham Forest, raising tensions.

"We're anti-fascists," one protester, who asked not to be named, told the Standard.

"These people come down and march through our road.

"They terrify the neighbours. Last time they had to move children out of their homes because they were terrified of the EDL.

"They remind me of the National Front. I know a racist when I see one," she added.

Chants of "Nazi scum off our streets" and "united we fight, smash the EDL" rang out as the far-right group gathered by Blackhorse Road Tube station.

But the mood among the anti-fascists, jubilant at first, turned sour when a group of about 40 protesters and legal observers became separated from the main group and were surrounded and kettled by police.

Some anti-fascists had tried to link arms and prevent the EDL progressing up Forest Road, which breached the conditions of the protest - which were handed out in a leaflet to some before events kicked off.

A line of 35 officers hemmed the group in as a small EDL contingent, holding flags saying they had come from Essex and Coventry, marched past, shouting and jeering.

Related stories Police reveal plans to impose special restrictions on protesters at Walthamstow EDL march in bid to prevent disorder

Another protester, a young man, told the Standard: "Anti-fascist demonstrations are important because when the far-right groups march into diverse communities to it's important to stop them intimidating communities that should be celebrated. If every time they try to march they're stopped, it sends a strong message."

Earlier this week the Metropolitan Police revealed plans to impose special restrictions on the day in a bid to prevent potential disorder.

Scotland Yard said the conditions issued under the Public Order Act had been introduced following disorder at previous events between the opposing groups.

The measures included a time restriction for the march, instructions on where exactly the rally must be held, and a ban on cars being driven along the procession route.

A similar event staged in Walthamstow in 2012 saw a number of people being arrested.

Ch Supt Gerry Campbell said: “When an organiser of an event comes to us, we need to balance their rights to protest with the impact their event will have on local businesses and residents.

“Previous experience has led us to believe that if the protest by the EDL and the counter-protest by the UAF were allowed to go ahead without conditions, there would be strong likelihood of serious disorder and serious disruption to the local community.”