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| Arrests at anti-Islamic protest | Arrests at anti-Islamic protest |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Police in Birmingham have arrested 31 people during protests by anti-fascists and a group demonstrating against Islamic fundamentalism. | Police in Birmingham have arrested 31 people during protests by anti-fascists and a group demonstrating against Islamic fundamentalism. |
| One protest involved a group known as Casuals United, which police said were made up of local football fans. | One protest involved a group known as Casuals United, which police said were made up of local football fans. |
| Another "counter-protest" in the city centre was organised by United Against Fascism, West Midlands Police said. | Another "counter-protest" in the city centre was organised by United Against Fascism, West Midlands Police said. |
| The protest, which began at 1800 (BST), is ongoing and police said disorder had been sporadic. | The protest, which began at 1800 (BST), is ongoing and police said disorder had been sporadic. |
| A police spokeswoman said public safety was an "absolute priority". | A police spokeswoman said public safety was an "absolute priority". |
| Speaking before the demonstration on the West Midlands Police website, Superintendent Matt Ward said there had been a similar protest against Islamic fundamentalism a month before which 70 to 90 people attended. | Speaking before the demonstration on the West Midlands Police website, Superintendent Matt Ward said there had been a similar protest against Islamic fundamentalism a month before which 70 to 90 people attended. |
| He said the police wanted to balance the rights of protestors with retailers and shoppers who wanted to use the city centre for their normal business. |