Police clampdown on far-right and anti-fascist marches in central London to stop 'serious public disorder'

Police have announced a clampdown on far-right and anti-fascist protest marches planned in central London this weekend to prevent “serious public disorder and disruption”.

The EDL is preparing to take to the streets on Saturday, while counter demonstrations by United Against Facism and United Against Extremism are also planned.

Scotland Yard said it was taking action under public order laws over the marches planned for Saturday "due to concerns of serious public disorder, and disruption to the community".

The protests come in the wake of deadly terrorist attacks on Westminster and London Bridges and more recently close to a mosque in Finsbury Park in the north of the capital.

Superintendent Emma Richards said: "We have made the decision to impose conditions based on current tensions and concerns, information about the intentions of the organisers of these events and intelligence from previous marches held by similar groups.

"We believe the approach is appropriate. We have a duty to ensure that the community in central London can go about their daily business not unduly impacted by demonstrations taking place."

Rules laid down by police mean the EDL march in the heart of London will only be allowed to legally take place for 90 minutes from 1pm on a route from Charing Cross to a rally on the Victoria Embankment.

A counter-demonstration by Unite Against Fascism (UAF) will be allowed to take place on the Victoria Embankment only between 12.30pm and 3pm. Assembly at any other location is not permitted.

A separate United Against Extremism (UAE) demonstration in the City will be allowed to assemble outside St Paul's Cathedral from noon to 1pm and then march to London Bridge until 2.30pm.