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EDL march in Sheffield

A protest by members of the English Defence League will take place in Sheffield later. It was originally planned in response to plans to turn a pub into a mosque, which has subsequently been dropped.

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Hundreds of extra police on duty for EDL rally

Hundreds of extra police officers are on duty in Sheffield today to deal with a planned rally by members of the English Defence League.

Members are due to gather in Sheffield Lane Top.

As well as policing the rally, we will have additional officers on duty to carry out normal policing duties in the city, and a conservative estimate is that the policing operation on the day will cost at least £600,000 if not more. We would far sooner spend this money on local policing priorities but we have no choice.

The irony is that the disused pub - the Pheasant - is not being turned into a mosque at all. In fact, planning permission has been granted to turn it into a fast food outlet.

– Supt Colin McFarlane, South Yorkshire Police

EDL protest to be held

A protest by members of the English Defence League will take place in Sheffield later.

It was originally planned in response to plans to turn a pub into a mosque, which has subsequently been dropped.

However, the group says the protest will go ahead as they believe there are still plans for a new mosque in the Firth Park area, which they oppose. It is understood several hundred people will take part. Anti-fascist protesters are also planning to be there.

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