AN English Defence League march meant a heavy police presence in Hull today.
Twenty-plus officers, two riot vans and two mounted officers kept order as about 60 marchers set off down Spring Bank at 12.30pm.
The march organiser, who refused to give his name, instructed his colleagues to avoid racist and bad language but many ignored the demand.
As they passed Asian shopkeepers' premises, many of the protesters spat vile abuse.
Sergeant Eric Johnstone, liaison officer, said: "My role is to act as liaison between the marchers and the police commanders.
"We will facilitate a peaceful protest."
The marchers were denied access to Pearson Park and the heavy police presence meant their trip down Spring Bank and back passed off peacefully.
The group, proclaiming allegiance to the Queen and St George, was shadowed on its journey by anti-fascist protesters.
Among their number was Holly Weston, from Hull, who said: "We want to promote peaceful protest.
"We just disagree with the EDL and their racist ideology. This is not what Hull is about, they don't speak for us."
Sgt Johnstone and the other officers made sure neither group did anything to inflame the situation further and were kept apart at all times.
The biggest inconvenience was for motorists and other pedestrians who had to wait while police marshalled the marchers along the road.
Twenty-plus officers, two riot vans and two mounted officers kept order as about 60 marchers set off down Spring Bank at 12.30pm.
The march organiser, who refused to give his name, instructed his colleagues to avoid racist and bad language but many ignored the demand.
As they passed Asian shopkeepers' premises, many of the protesters spat vile abuse.
Sergeant Eric Johnstone, liaison officer, said: "My role is to act as liaison between the marchers and the police commanders.
"We will facilitate a peaceful protest."
The marchers were denied access to Pearson Park and the heavy police presence meant their trip down Spring Bank and back passed off peacefully.
The group, proclaiming allegiance to the Queen and St George, was shadowed on its journey by anti-fascist protesters.
Among their number was Holly Weston, from Hull, who said: "We want to promote peaceful protest.
"We just disagree with the EDL and their racist ideology. This is not what Hull is about, they don't speak for us."
Sgt Johnstone and the other officers made sure neither group did anything to inflame the situation further and were kept apart at all times.
The biggest inconvenience was for motorists and other pedestrians who had to wait while police marshalled the marchers along the road.
