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English Defence League members threw beer cans and exchanged insults with anti-racists at a Walsall demonstration that saw one arrest.

The last time the right-wing group protested n the town nine people were arrested after its supporters and anti-fascist group members clashed.

This time the event passed off without major incident but West Midlands Police later confirmed there had been one arrest for a public order offence.

Around 100 chanting EDL members marched into St Paul's Square shortly after 1pm, bringing them into direct conflict with an anti-racism group holding a counter event outside St Paul's Church.

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There was minor scuffles when the two groups first set eyes on each with both sets of protesters chanting "Nazi scum" at each other.

At one point three cans of half drunk beer were thrown by members of the EDL group at the anti-racism counter demo group.

One can of lager struck the arm of a man but he was not injured.

A line of 15 strong police officers formed to keep the two groups apart and another 20 police officers remained 100 yards back, waiting to react if things turned ugly.

One EDL supporter wore a pig mask as he held aloft a St George's flag, emblazoned with EDL Walsall Division.

The EDL protested in the square for around an hour before marching along Darwall Street and through the town centre, moving on to Bridge Street and Bradford Street.

Robert Punton, aged 55, from Solihull, said he was there to support the We Are Walsall counter demonstration.

He said: “I have travelled here today to stand united with the people of Walsall. I am opposed to everything the EDL stands for.

“We must unite like we have today and make a stand against racism.”

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After the EDL had left the town councillor Doug James, who represents Darlaston South Ward at Walsall Borough Council, expressed concern about the safety of residents.

Cllr James said: “I think we may have got off quite lightly today but I witnessed three cans being thrown and one person was struck on the arm. Fortunately they are OK.

“I will be having a word with the police commander as I don’t believe the people of Walsall were placed in a safe position today.

“The EDL were far too close to the counter protesters and things could have really got out of hand.

“But the police were very good. We just need to look at a different way of handling it if the EDL come to Walsall again.

“Let’s pray they don’t.”

A West Midlands Police spokesman said a 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and has been taken into custody for questioning.

Superintendent Andy Beard said: "We have a duty to positively police the fundamental right of peaceful protest and worked hard to ensure there was minimal impact on business as usual in the town centre.

"There has been a highly visible police presence to respond to any issues and provide on-going reassurance to everyone in the town.

"We held extensive discussions with representatives of both groups right until the start of the demonstrations. It was clear both were committed to their locations and our policing plans were implemented to ensure events took place safely."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: "I want to thank our police officers, who have a difficult job to do in respecting people’s right to demonstrate, whilst upholding the values of local people.

"I am glad they will now be able to return to their important task of keeping the people of the West Midlands safe."

The EDL protest came two weeks after the Football Lads Alliance march in Birmingham city centre, which passed off with little trouble.