Police arrest 40 after EDL protest rally in Telford

More than 40 people were arrested in the aftermath of a protest rally held by the English Defence League in Telford, police said.

The rallies on Saturday afternoon – a counter-protest was also organised between the Unite Against Facism group and trade union chiefs – passed by peacefully and largely without incident.

But police confirmed there were "pockets of disorder" afterwards as up to 350 members of the English Defence League and 250 opposition protesters gathered in Wellington.

Ten people were charged while the rest were either cautioned or bailed.

Chief Inspector Keith Gee said the arrests were mainly for public order offences. Three police officers were assaulted but none were seriously hurt.

He said there had been a few problems during the build up to and during the assemblies. But he added there had been no reports of damage to property or serious injuries.

The leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, Kuldip Sahota, praised the "fantastic effort by council officers, West Mercia Police and the whole community of Wellington".

He said Wellington could now return to normal and community could go about its business peacefully again.

"Our street cleaning team was out immediately after the demonstrations were over and the crowds dispersed and very soon after that were were able to re-open the road that had been closed." he said.