Protests under way in Bolton town centre (From The Bolton News)

Protests under way in Bolton town centre

11:49am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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POLICE have warned "disorder will not be tolerated" as hundreds of protesters started to arrive in Bolton town centre.

Unite Against Facism supporters have already arrived in Victoria Square in their hundreds to stage a counter demonstration against the English Defence League protest due to take place this afternoon.

For many it has been a peaceful protest - some 30 members of Bolton Against Racism have been singing peace songs.

But other supporters have been confrontational with police attempting to shepherd them into a cordoned-off area of the square, in front of the town hall.

As some protestors were escorted away by police UAF organiser Weyman Bennett appealed for the crowd to take a step back and calm down.

The atmosphere is said to be tense and there have aklready been minor flashpoints, with UAF supporters attempting to access the square via Newport Street - a route set aside for the arrival EDL supporters later today.

Earlier, visited a pub in Wigan Road, Deane, where EDL supporters had been drinking since 9.30am and there was one arrest for a public order offence.

So far just a handful of EDL supporters have made their way to the town centre.

Few shoppers have also made their way into the town centre.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "We are gearing up for a peaceful and lawful protest. Disorder will not be tolerated!"