London: British police expect an English Defence League march and a counter-demonstration to pass off peacefully, despite admitting the shocking murder of a soldier this week "may have heightened community concerns".

The EDL planned several months ago to hold a national gathering in Newcastle this Bank Holiday weekend in the UK, as it did three years ago.

Members of the English Defence League wear balaclavas as they gather outside a pub in Woolwich in London on Wednesday, May 22. Credit:JUSTIN TALLIS

Opponents calling themselves "Newcastle Unites" have also been in consultation with Northumbria Police to organise a counter demonstration on Saturday afternoon.

The event in 2010 passed off without any arrests, and a strong police presence kept EDL supporters and their opponents well apart that day.