EDL to demonstrate in Redditch

Members of the EDL are due to march in Redditch today Credit: ITV Central

The English Defence League (EDL) is due to hold a demonstration in Redditch this afternoon.

Today's protest will be the first time the group has demonstrated in the Worcestershire town.

West Mercia police said it was working with Redditch Borough Council and other partner agencies to ensure the event causes as little disruption as possible.

Superintendent Adrian Pass, police commander for North Worcestershire, said: "I would ask people to remember that we simply cannot stop EDL members from coming to Redditch to hold a lawful protest.

"However, we will make sure that everyone attending the protest understands their legal responsibilities and also warn them that anyone who does break the law can expect to be dealt with very robustly.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure local people that a significant police presence will be on duty on the day and that we will have resources available that will allow us to deal with every likely eventuality."