Rival groups face off at race protest

VIOLENCE broke out and missiles were thrown at police as rival protesters gathered in a city for demonstrations today.

Police said around 1,000 English Defence League supporters were confronted by approximately 700 Unite Against Fascism demonstrators in Leicester, prompting the city's largest policing operation in 25 years.

A spokeswoman said: "Four people have been arrested. One officer has been taken to hospital with a leg injury."

A smoke bomb was thrown from the EDL protesters into police and crowds of press.

Earlier this week, Home Secretary Theresa May authorised a blanket ban on marches in Leicester, but the groups were still permitted to hold static demonstrations in Humberstone Gate East in the city from 2pm to 3.30pm.

The area was shut down by police today, with rival groups placed either side of metal barriers.