Fears as protest groups target city (From The Northern Echo)

Fears as protest groups target city

1:43am Saturday 5th December 2009 in

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A major security operation is being launched in Nottingham to stop violence flaring up during a demonstration by the English Defence League (EDL).

To add to the police's workload, Unite Against Fascism is planning a counter-protest at the same time, while the Mercian Regiment is holding a homecoming parade through the city hours earlier.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest FC play local rivals Leicester City at home just as the demonstrations will be held a few hundred yards from the city's main shopping area.

Nottinghamshire Police said scores of officers were being drafted in to prevent violence during the protest by the EDL, a relatively new group which says it stands against the spread of Islamic extremism.

The 2pm protest outside Nottingham Castle will follow a homecoming parade by the Mercian Regiment at 10.50am, while Forest kick off their match against Leicester at the City Ground at 1pm.