28 arrested following EDL demonstration in Walsall

Twenty eight people have been arrested following disorder during a demonstration by the English Defence League (EDL), police said.

Up to 1,000 people took part in the EDL event and a counter demonstration in Walsall, West Midlands Police said.

The arrests came after minor disorder which lasted for about 10 minutes as the EDL demonstration in Leicester Street came to a close.

A number of protesters and police officers suffered minor cuts and bruises but no serious injuries were reported, a West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed.

Eyewitnesses tweeted that bottles, bins and bricks were thrown during the disorder.

A counter-demonstration was held nearby.

Chief Superintendent Dave Sturman, commander for Walsall and in charge of today's policing operation, said:

He added that there had been mediation with the EDL and counter-protest organisers ahead of the demonstrations.