Council leader: EDL protesters 'we don't want them here'

Hundreds of police officers from forces across the south east are on duty in Luton as a march by the English Defence League heads through the town.

Click below to watch an interview clip with Chief Inspector Mark Upex from Bedfordshire Police:

The leader of Luton Borough Council Hazel Simmons told ITV News Anglia she didn't want the protesters in the town and that they were not welcome.

She said: "They have a democratic right to protest. Obviously it's a great cost to the public purse. We have to accommodate that and make sure the town is safe."

A counter demonstration is taking place under the banner "We Are Luton". Around 500 people are believed to be marching with the EDL.

Click below to watch an interview clip with Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council:

Business owners on the route of the match say road closures have affected trade and have condemned the event.