THE opposing demonstrations held in Newcastle city centre on Saturday (May 25) passed off without major incident, police said.
It is estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 people took part in the far right English Defence League march and around 350 to 400 people in the counter demonstration by anti-fascist Newcastle Unites.
Up to 1,000 police officers kept the two sides apart and watched over the two demonstrations.
Chief Superintendent Gary Calvert, of Northumbria Police, said: “There were a number of arrests over the course of the day, mainly to do with alcohol or to prevent public order offences, however the vast majority of those taking part were well behaved.
"Most of the arrests took place before the protests started and were part of a proactive strategy by police to avoid disorder and to minimise disruption.
Earlier on Saturday Northumbria Police said it had already arrested three people, two from Gateshead and one from Stockton, on suspicion of posting racist tweets.
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