Big police operation for rival protests in Bristol

Around 60 people have begun a march from Bristol Temple Meads under the banner 'Gays Against Sharia'. The far-right group - surrounded by large numbers of police - are heading to Queen Square for a rally. All public entrances to Queen Square have already been closed off with metal gates to allow the rally to proceed.

The group was invited to Bristol by a woman who does not wish to be named for fear of reprisals. ITV News West Country has spoken to a number of marchers - none of them is from Bristol.

There's a heavy police presence at Bristol Temple Meads ahead of a rally by a right-wing group this afternoon. A group calling itself Gays Against Sharia is planning to march from the square next to the station. Queen Square has already been closed off by police.

Queen Square in Bristol has been closed off with metal gates as police prepare for two rival demonstrations. A protest under the banner Gays Against Sharia is due to start at Temple Meads this afternoon. It's been organised by a woman from Bristol who is part of a group calling itself British And Immigrants United Against Terrorism. A counter-demonstration is planned by a group called Bristol Stand Up To Racism, which claims Gays Against Sharia is a front for the far-right English Defence League.

Police have invoked powers today to ban the following in the city centre

• Banners, flags or placards that might incite disorder or hatred
• Anything that could be used to cause injury or damage
• Face coverings, masks or scarves used to conceal identity