Three people have been aressted ahead of an English Defence League demonstration in Newcastle today.
The North-East branch of the far-right EDL and anti-fascist organisation Newcastle Unites are both staging marches and demonstrations in the city centre this afternoon (Saturday, May 25).
Northumbria Police says it has already taken proactive action and arrested three men - two from Gateshead and one from Stockton - on suspicion of posting racist tweets.
Newcastle Area Commander Chief Superintendent Gary Calvert said that the force appreciated that the death of soldier Lee Rigby near his Woolwich barracks in London on Wednesday may have heightened community concerns over the planned Newcastle protests.
He said: "We are constantly monitoring the situation and will continue to adapt accordingly."
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said that its policing operation would allow peaceful protest while protecting the safety of people in the city and preventing serious disorder and damage.
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