EDL March In Hyde Could Be Banned Over Police Fears

20 February 2012, 17:02 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A march by the extremist English Defence League planned for this Saturday in Hyde could be banned.

The protest has been organised after an alleged attack on two white youths by a group of Asian youths in the town earlier this month.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm while two other 17-year-olds and another 21-year-old have been released on police bail until 23 April.  Police are treating the incident as a hate crime because the teenager believes it was racially motivated.

A statement on the EDL website says: "Our reason for demonstrating in Hyde is not to further divide communities or win support for racial politics.

"That is why we wish to make it abundantly clear that the British National Party, or any other group with a history of racial politics or racist ideas, will not be welcome at our demonstration.

"Our reason for demonstrating in Hyde is to protest about the government, the media and the Muslim community's continued inaction in the face of violent extremism and intolerance."

Greater Manchester Police say they are concerned it could inflame tensions in the area and they are working closely with the local council.

Officials in Tameside are deciding if they should ask the government should step in and stop the march.