THE English Defence League staged a protest in Farnworth Park earlier today.

There was a heavy police presence as about 150 EDL supporters arrived on two double decker buses from Bradshawgate at 1.15pm.

About 30 people took part in a counter-demonstration.

Both sides were kept separated and directed into enclosed steel pens inside the park, where they were able to demonstrate for about an hour before leaving.

Police said there have been 12 arrests so far, 11 from the EDL and one from Unite Against Fascism.