Scottish Defence League and 'The Infidels' gather in Durham City

The group is in Millennium Square, near the Gala Theatre, where they are being supervised by police.

It is understood they wish to lay a wreath on the war memorial at Durham Cathedral.

A spokesman for Durham Police earlier described it as a "low key" and “good natured” event.

"We are policing this event in an appropriate fashion so it passes peacefully and lawfully with the minimum impact on the city."

However, one eyewitness told The Northern Echo that some members of the group appeared to have been drinking and were using intimidating behaviour.