English Defence League set for Telford protest over child sex exploitation

The group will descend on Telford after it was named as the child sex capital of the UK, with the highest number of recorded crimes of that nature for any town or city in the country.

Details of the protest have been revealed, and the group will gather on Hall Park car park behind Malinsgate Police Station at 1pm.

Members will then follow a route of around 400 metres to congregate outside the front of the police station.

A counter anti-EDL protest is taking place at the Arena in Telford Town Park at the same time.

Superintendent Tom Harding, of West Mercia Police, said officers had been engaging with the EDL and counter protest organisers to ensure a "peaceful event with minimal disruption".

He said a "proportionate" policing response would be implemented and warned motorists there could be delays around the town centre between 1pm and 4pm.

"Members of the public who need to access Malinsgate Police Station will be able to do so as normal," he added.

"We recognise people may be concerned about the potential impact these events may have on people living and working in Telford.

"However, we are working with both groups and the wider community to ensure there will be minimal disruption.

"Telford town will be very much open for business, as usual."

Police will be putting out regular Twitter updates on the day from the account @WMerciaPolice