Calls to stop EDL rally

Far-right group the EDL are holding a mass anti-Islam rally in Dewsbury today. West Yorkshire Police will patrol the area as members arrive on coaches at the railway station from 11am.

MPs, including Spen and Batley MP Mike Wood, have called for the protest to be called off.

Mr Wood, MP for Batley and Spen, has told police that previous EDL demonstrations have led to crime and disorder spilling into neighbouring towns. In a letter to chief constable Sir Norman Bettison he said: "Towns in the Spen Valley have suffered disorder and crime during and after EDL events."

He said a demonstration in Cleckheaton in March led to more police having to be drafted in. Shops were attacked in Heckmondwike and there was disorder on public transport.

Meanwhile Unite Against Fascism and Dewsbury Unity will hold a demonstration against the English Defence League rally in Kirklees later today