Latest news straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tensions ran high on Saturday as more than 250 anti-fascist protesters gathered in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square in a counter-demonstration against the English Defence League .

Several attempts were made to break through heavily-manned police cordons which separated the rival factions.

Police kettled protesters in the square for more than two hours as they dispersed EDL supporters first.

Motorcycle outriders stopped traffic as they escorted coach loads of EDL supporters out of the city.

Masked men, some wearing bandanas over their faces and others with balaclavas rushed at riot police in an effort to get to the EDL demo.

Calling themselves the Muslim Defence League the Asian men said they were defending the city from “racist thugs”.

One scarfed man, who gave his name as Zaffar, said: “We are all local lads and we are protecting our city.

“What are they doing here anyway? It’s our holy month of Ramadan and they’ve come here to goad us so we’re going to give them what they are looking for.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Officers in full protective anti-riot gear and wielding batons restrained themselves amid serious provocation by anarchist elements who had joined the Unite Against Fascism demo.

“Police protect Nazis” and other anti-police chants echoed across Chamberlain Square as demonstrators took out their frustrations on officers.

One Unite Against Facism supporter Adam Iqbal said: “The police have come out in massive numbers and have been quite intimidating in their show of force.

“I think that’s helped nip any violence in the bud. But the EDL demo should never have been allowed. It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

City centre shoppers went about their day seemingly undeterred by the large crowds and police diversions which were clearly marked.

Both sets of demonstrators finally melted away by early evening in a carefully orchestrated “evacuation” of the two squares.

Speaking after the protests, Birmingham’s chairman for social cohesion and community safety, said he believed they had passed off relatively peacefully.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar said: “We are obviously disappointed that the EDL chose Birmingham to host this demonstration.

“Birmingham doesn’t really need this sort of attention but the police have executed a great plan to keep both groups apart.”

Pointing out that other nearby areas of the city centre had operated normally and were unaffected by the rallies, Coun Zaffar added: “My message to the EDL would be to stay away from Birmingham – your message of hate divides communities and is not welcome.”

The demonstrations resulted in one of West Midlands Police’s largest ever operations.

Officers from as far away as Wales came to support the force on a day filled with tension and unease.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to lighten proceedings some anti-fascist supporters displayed placards in support of an alternative EDL.

Calling themselves the English Disco Lovers, members staged an impromptu mass disco dancing set outside the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Unite Against Fascism speakers took to a makeshift stage to criticise the police operation which they said had “pandered to racists.”