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Extra police in Blackpool for EDL and anti-facist demos Extra police in Blackpool at EDL and anti-fascist demos
(about 4 hours later)
A major police operation is taking place in Blackpool for demonstrations by the English Defence League (EDL) and United Against Fascism (UAF) groups. A major police operation has taken place in Blackpool for demonstrations by the English Defence League (EDL) and United Against Fascism (UAF) groups.
About 2,000 people are expected at the separate rallies, taking place near south and central piers. Police estimated that about 1,500 people attended the separate rallies at South Pier and Central Pier.
Officers from three other forces have been brought in to bolster police numbers after trouble at past protests. Officers from three other forces were brought in to bolster police numbers after trouble at past protests.
However, Lancashire Police said it was expecting minimal disruption to the rest of the resort. Five people have been arrested - two on suspicion of public order offences and three for being drunk and disorderly.
Day-to-day policing will carry on as normal in the resort while specially-trained officers - including some from Merseyside, Cumbria and West Yorkshire - monitor the protests. The demonstrations were held at lunchtime and police said crowds had begun dispersing at about 1330 BST.
Divisional Commander Richard Debicki said: "Detailed planning has gone into this event, with the aim of both the police and council being to ensure people remain safe and the resort remains open for business on the day. Day-to-day policing carried on as normal in the resort while specially-trained officers - including some from Merseyside, Cumbria and West Yorkshire - monitored the protests.
'Minimal disruption'
Earlier, Divisional Commander Richard Debicki said: "Detailed planning has gone into this event, with the aim of both the police and council being to ensure people remain safe and the resort remains open for business on the day.
"We anticipate minimal disruption to daily life for the vast majority of the town though clearly people will see an increased police presence."We anticipate minimal disruption to daily life for the vast majority of the town though clearly people will see an increased police presence.
"We appreciate there may be some concerns about this event but we would encourage people to go about their daily business as usual.""We appreciate there may be some concerns about this event but we would encourage people to go about their daily business as usual."
Blackpool Council has stressed the resort remains open for business and was expecting to welcome thousands of visitors over the bank holiday weekend.Blackpool Council has stressed the resort remains open for business and was expecting to welcome thousands of visitors over the bank holiday weekend.
Councillor Sarah Riding, member for equality and diversity, said: "The businesses in the town have responded positively and are as keen as we are that the demonstrations don't detract from what should be an enjoyable bank holiday weekend."Councillor Sarah Riding, member for equality and diversity, said: "The businesses in the town have responded positively and are as keen as we are that the demonstrations don't detract from what should be an enjoyable bank holiday weekend."