Thousands expected at EDL march in Bristol

Businesses say the marches mean they are losing business Credit: ITV West Country

Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on Bristol today in one of the largest police operations in years. The English Defence League will hold a national demonstration in the city centre this afternoon while, at the same time, an opposing demonstration will be happening just a short distance away.

The counter protest by a group calling itself We Are Bristol also comes as a third major event, a Gay Pride festival is held in the city centre. Some businesses near Queen Square, where the EDL rally is being held, are sacrificing a busy day's takings by closing down for fear of trouble.

A police operation costing £500,000 and involving 1,000 officers, will seek to contain EDL marchers and those supporting a rival demonstration by a group called We Are Bristol which opposes the EDL's presence in the city.

The police operation to contain the marches is costing £500,000 Credit: ITV West Country

Muslim leaders in Bristol have added their voice to calls for calm.

Both marches will begin at 1pm and the rallies which follow are scheduled to end by late afternoon.