Police injured in disorderat 'Defence League' march

Seventeen people were arrested and at least four police officers injured during a demonstration by the English Defence League, police said.

Some 300 members of the right-wing group gathered in Stoke before Saturday’s march, the latest in a series of protests by the organisation against Islamic extremism.

There were scuffles with police as EDL members tried to break a cordon preventing them from clashing with members of anti-fascist groups.

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Staffordshire Police said the people arrested were aged between 17 and 49 and all “linked” to the EDL demonstration. They were held on suspicion of committing a series of public order offences, violent disorder as well as assaulting a police officer.

One officer had to be taken to hospital with an arm wound, while another was assaulted and needed to be checked over by doctors. The other two returned to duty immediately.

A member of the public was treated by paramedics after being injured during the demonstration. A number of vehicles were also damaged in the melee.

Superintendent Dave Mellor said: “The vast majority of demonstrators expressed their views peacefully.

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“However, the actions and behaviour of a small minority of protesters have been totally unacceptable and deplorable. Our officers will now be reviewing CCTV, video and other evidence gathered to pursue those identified committing offences to put them before the courts.”

The EDL has previously held marches in places like Leeds and Birmingham, also resulting in disorder.