A NOISY, but largely peaceful series of marches has taken place in Newcastle this afternoon.

A massive police operation was in place to cope with potentially violent protests from the two groups Hundreds of police officers from six different forces were drafted in to prevent clashes between supporters of the English Defence League (EDL) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) as the two groups marched through Newcastle city centre today.

But as the crowds began to disperse, police were reporting that no arrests had been made.

The atmosphere in the city was charged as an estimated 600 people joined the EDL march and about 1,000 took part for the UAF.

But despite one observer describing the situation as "like being in the wrong end at a football ground", the two groups were largely kept apart.

The aim of the police operation, named Operation Dunadry, was make sure both protests passed off peacefully.

Northumbria Police was backed up by officers from other forces due to the potential for tension on the streets of Newcastle.

The English Defence League is a far-right organisation formed in 2009 with the aim of opposing the spread of Islamism, Sharia law and Islamic extremism in England.

Unite Against Fascism is an anti-fascist group that campaigns against far-right political parties.

The organisers of both protests alerted the authorities of their intention to march through Newcastle in advance and by law they are permitted to do so.

Some roads were closed to allow the protesters to pass through.

The English Defence League march took place from 2pm until 3pm.

The protesters assembled at Bewick Street and marched to the Bigg Market via Clayton Street, Westgate Road and the Groat Market.

The Unite Against Fascism event started on Barrack Road and marchers made their way to Newgate Street via Barrack Road and Gallowgate.

Other events included a TUC rally at the Monument, between 11am and 3pm, and the Apprentice Boys of Derry annual march through Newcastle, which started in Wellington Street at 1pm and ended on the Quayside.

For a full report, read The Northern Echo on Monday.