PROTESTERS were back in the town centre exactly five years after a rally in which 74 people were arrested.

Dozens of people clashed during the protest on March 20, 2010, when anti-fascists demonstrated against the English Defence League.

Following the protests a group called Justice4Bolton was set up, calling for a public inquiry into the policing operation on the day.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed to The Bolton News that it will be publishing a report into the operation but has not set a date.

The campaign group has also called on the police and IPCC to publish their reports into policing on the day.

Yesterday, Justice4Bolton marked the anniversary of the demonstration with speeches on the steps of Bolton Town Hall.

Rhetta Moran, from Justice4Bolton, said: "We are here in Bolton fighting for justice five years on and resisting the attempts to criminalise protesters.

"In Bolton it was protests against racism and fascism, and thousands of the people who came could not even get into Victoria Square."

A police spokesman said: "The officers involved in policing the protest that day did so in an extremely difficult and challenging situation against large groups engaged in committing disorder and acting, at times, with extreme violence towards the police.

"A number of these people arrested were charged and subsequently convicted, some had no further action taken against them and others were dealt with by other means, such as through cautions or fixed penalty notices.

"In addition we have reached out of court settlements with a small number of people arrested that day that brought civil claims.

"We respect anyone's democratic right to hold lawful, peaceful protest."

Insp Bob Cantrell was investigated for misconduct by the IPCC over a punch he threw at 64-year-old Alan Clough at the demonstration.

Following disciplinary hearings, GMP ruled in November last year that Insp Cantrell had no case to answer following a disciplinary hearing.

A case for perverting the course of justice against Insp Cantrell was also thrown out by a judge.

Cllr Susan Haworth, for Harper Green, attended the demonstration and said: "Supporting justice campaigns does not imply being anti-police.

"You only have to look at the important Hillsborough and Stephen Lawrence campaigns to understand that it is about justice for victims and righting wrongs. Fair play and justice go to the heart of this country’s values and it is why we should be alert to justice campaigns."