A TOTAL of five people were arrested following two high profile marches in Newcastle today.

Northumbria Police has thanked the public for their cooperation after what it desccribed "peaceful demonstrations".

Both the Pegida and Newcastle Unites events took place in the city centre this morning.

Police believe around 2,375 people attended the two events - 375 at the Pegida event and 2,000 at the Newcastle Unites demonstration.

Five people were arrested as part of the policing operation for isolated incidents within the city centre area.

Newcastle Chief Superintendent Laura Young said: "Both demonstrations passed without any problems and I'd like to thank people in Newcastle for their cooperation and support throughout.

"The vast majority of those that took part in today's events were peaceful and both groups stuck to their agreed times, routes and plans.

"Disruption was kept to a minimum in the city centre and we are very grateful for the assistance and patience shown by the public and those in Newcastle this morning.

"As a force we respect the right to peaceful protest and take a neutral standpoint, not supporting or endorsing any groups or individuals.

"Our aim was to ensure public safety and to minimise disruption to the city centre during today's events and everything went to plan. "We will continue to have a visible policing presence in Newcastle city centre for the rest of the day and into this evening."

Those arrested were:

  • 37-year-old Newcastle man arrested on suspicion of assault
  • 20-year-old Halifax man arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace
  • 43-year-old Newcastle man arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly
  • 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace
  • 54-year-old from South Yorkshire arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly