POLICE have pledged extra officers on the streets of Newcastle to deal with a demonstration by the controversial German anti-Islam group Pegida.

A counter-demo, which left-wing comedian Russell Brand and Respect MP George Galloway are expected to attend, will also be held on the same day, Saturday, February 28.

Northumbria Police said today (Thursday, February 19) they had met with both groups to agree details for the events.

The Pegida demonstration will be held at 11am in the Bigg Market, where protestors will gather for speeches.

Newcastle Unites will meet in Gallowgate at about 10.30am and then walk to Newgate Street, where they will hold a demonstration.

Newcastle Chief Superintendent Laura Young said: "We have met with representatives from both of the organisations and have agreed on plans for their demonstrations.

“The organisers from both groups have assured us they do not want any trouble and their intention is to hold peaceful protests before moving on and we will act in a neutral capacity to facilitate this.

"There are other events taking place on that Saturday and the city will be busy. I want to reassure people that there will be adequate resources in place to deal with all of the events taking place that day.”

Pegida has said on Facebook it was aware extreme right-wing groups were planning to join them in Newcastle, and insisted the rally must remain non-violent.

It said: "Pegida is an organisation that believes in freedom of expression and speech. We welcome everybody. No matter of political nor religious background.

"All we ask is that people acknowledge our agenda of peaceful protest and unite under the Pegida flag for the day..... In a perfect world we would love the extreme right-wing element to leave us to it... but this isn't an ideal world... as long as everyone behaves themselves, this should go without incident.”

Chair of Safe Newcastle, Cllr Stephen Powers said: "Newcastle is a modern cosmopolitan city where everyone should feel safe.

"While I recognise everyone's right to protest peacefully, the extreme views of Pegida are not welcome in this city.

"We are working closely with the police to help them prepare for, and supervise, this march, and I would like to reassure people coming into Newcastle that it will be business as usual on the day and that the council will do all that it can to reassure its rich and diverse communities."

That afternoon a crowd of about 50,000 is expected to watch Newcastle United play Aston Villa at St James's Park.