SEVEN people were arrested during a protest by the right wing group the English Defence League (EDL) in the North-East on Saturday.

Northumbria Police said around 450 people took part in the demonstration in South Shields, with around 350 marching through the town.

The event, which started at around 1pm, was also attended by anti-fascist demonstrators.

Northumbria Police said a small number of arrests were made following minor public disorder.

South Tyneside Chief Superintendent Ian Dawes said: "The police were there to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the vast majority of people behaved in a calm and sensible way.

“However a small minority caused some disruption and a total of seven people were arrested for a number of minor offences. They are now being questioned.

“We worked closely with our partners in the local area and in particular with the local authority.

"Disruption was kept to a minimum and we are grateful for the support we received from local communities who behaved with great dignity.

“Extra officers will continue to be in the area this evening to provide reassurance to the community.”

Those arrested were a 49-year-old man from the Durham area on suspicion of malicious communication following messages posted on Twitter; a 57-year-old man arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace, a 47-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault, a 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of affray, a 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and a 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.