28 arrests as police and protesters clash at EDL march
Twenty-eight people were arrested as disorder broke out during a protest by the English Defence League in Walsall town centre.
Missiles including bricks, bottles and wooden planks were thrown at police amid clashes in Leicester Street today.
A number of protesters and police officers were treated for minor cuts and bruises and the town's main bus station St Paul's was closed as a precaution.
Meanwhile, a protest by opposition groups to the EDL took place at Gallery Square, passing peacefully.
One opposition protester was arrested.
It is estimated around 1,000 people attended the two protests.
Ch Supt Dave Sturman, commander for Walsall, said: "The majority of people attending the two demonstrations were peaceful and law abiding. Unfortunately a small number of people at the Leicester Street site became a little more aggressive and there was minor disorder for around 10 minutes.
"Arrests were made where necessary and further enquiries will be made to determine if any other offences were committed.
"That said, this has generally been a successful operation, due in no small part to the excellent work between police, our partner agencies and representatives of our communities."
Walsall Council workers have already been out carrying out a clean-up.
