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Extra police in Blackpool at EDL and anti-fascist demos Blackpool EDL and anti-fascist demos 'pass peacefully'
(about 1 hour later)
A major police operation has taken place in Blackpool for demonstrations by the English Defence League (EDL) and United Against Fascism (UAF) groups. Protests by the English Defence League (EDL) and United Against Fascism (UAF) groups in Blackpool were "relatively incident free", police have said.
Police estimated that about 1,500 people attended the separate rallies at South Pier and Central Pier. About 1,500 people attended the EDL rally at South Pier while a further 50 people attended the UAF event at Central Pier, police estimated.
Officers from three other forces were 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.
Five people have been arrested - two on suspicion of public order offences and three for being drunk and disorderly. Eight people were arrested - five of them for being drunk and disorderly.
The demonstrations were held at lunchtime and police said crowds had begun dispersing at about 1330 BST.The demonstrations were held at lunchtime and police said crowds had begun dispersing at about 1330 BST.
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.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' 'Offensive weapon'
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. Of those arrested, three men from Merseyside - aged 27, 35 and 37 - were detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place, along with a 26-year-old man from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and one further man.
"We anticipate minimal disruption to daily life for the vast majority of the town though clearly people will see an increased police presence. A 29-year-old man, from Blackburn, and a 36-year-old man, from Darwen, were arrested by British Transport Police for public order offences.
"We appreciate there may be some concerns about this event but we would encourage people to go about their daily business as usual." A 21-year-old man from Gateshead was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
Blackpool Council has stressed the resort remains open for business and was expecting to welcome thousands of visitors over the bank holiday weekend. Divisional Commander Richard Debicki said: "We are pleased that the protest has passed off peacefully and we are satisfied that we were able to give both sides the right to demonstrate and to ensure that it was business as usual for the resort.
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." "We would like to pass on our thanks to businesses and members of the public for their support and co-operation.
"Many officers will now remain in the resort over the bank holiday weekend to help reassure local businesses and communities."