POLICE are working with city council bosses to secure a ban on a proposed National Front march in the region this weekend.

Northumbria Police fear public disorder if the march - planned in Sunderland on Saturday afternoon protesting against asylum seekers in the city - goes ahead.

They feel their powers under the Public Order Act, which enables them to impose conditions on the march, would not stop any disorder.

Chief Constable Crispian Strachan has requested Sunderland City Council to ask the Home Secretary for an outright ban on the event.

Chief Superintendent Bob Pattison said yesterday: "While we respect people's right to protest, we have a duty to maintain law and order."