THE English Defence League is holding a demonstration in Preston today against a planned new mosque.

A counter-demonstration against the EDL, organised by Preston Trades Council and Unite Against Fascism, will take place at the same time.

Police say they will have a 'highly-visible police presence throughout the day' to try to avoid the flashpoints of trouble that have occurred at similar events elsewhere, including Bolton.

Chief Supt Tim Jacques, Divisional Commander for Central Division, said: "Our top priority is the safety of the community, people visiting Preston on the day, demonstrators and counter-demonstrators.

"The Constabulary will facilitate any protest which is peaceful but we will deal firmly with anyone committing crime and disorder and I would urge anyone thinking of coming to Preston to attend the event to bear this in mind.

"We want to make sure that Preston remains open for business as usual on planned the day."

The EDL is opposed to a larger mosque being built on the site of an existing one in Watling Street Road in Preston.

The EDL has been granted permission to use the Flag Market to stage a 'static protest' between 1-2pm, while the the counter-demonstration will take place in the Fish Market area, with police keeping both sides apart.

Live updates

Updates from the protest appear below.

We will be providing live updates on the EDL and UAF demos in Preston this afternoon. So far the streets are quiet.

Around 300 anti-EDL protesters are assembled in the Fish Market. The EDL protesters are expected at the Flag Market opposite soon.

Over 1000 EDL protesters have assembled, chanting and letting off fireworks. Most businesses are still open and curious shoppers look on.

So far both the EDL protest and the counter-demo have remained static.

Police are moving bystanders away from the EDL protesters who are being kept inside a police cordon in front of the Harris Museum.

A proportion of the EDL support has been moved away from the main group and is mingling with the shoppers. Some chants but no violence.

The EDL protesters are being transported back to their coaches.

A group of around 100 EDL protesters are still on Fishergate chanting.

The official protest areas are now virtually empty with the cordons and barriers being taken away.

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