A demonstration by the far-right English Defence League and a counter protest by The Unite Against Fascism group passed "without incident" today, police have said.

West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council thanked the people of Keighley for their patience and support after a demonstration.

Supporters of the EDL group, numbering around 70, were escorted by police from the town’s railway station through the town centre to Church Green, where they assembled for speeches before returning to the station to depart. 

A much larger number of counter demonstrators were present in the town to oppose the EDL. 

Police said four EDL supporters were arrested for minor public order offences.

Neighbourhood officers, community workers and other local figures kept residents and onlookers in the town centre informed and offered reassurance. Support was also provided by British Transport Police.

Speaking after the demonstrations concluded, Bradford District Chief Superintendent Scott Bisset, said: “We have no legal power to ban these demonstrations, so the safety of the public is our priority when we work with partners to plan for these events.

“The public also have a big part to play and I would like to thank them for their patience and support, which helped the demonstrations in Keighley to take place without incident.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “I’d like to thank local people who showed their opposition to this demonstration by going about their business as normal.

“People in our district pride themselves on having respect for each other, whatever their background.

“I’d also like to thank staff from the Council and all our partner organisations and community and faith groups who enabled people to go about their daily lives with as little disruption as possible today. Their hard work, co-operation and positive influence has been significant.”

One onlooker, who did not wish to be named, said: "There was lots of angry shouting, but it seemed to pass off without any serious incidents or outbreaks of violence."

Keighley town councillor John Kirby said their presence had cost town centre businesses thousands of pounds in lost revenue.

He said: "We don't want the EDL coming to our town. All they do is put barriers between people and cause problems."

Fellow town councillor Cllr Michael Westerman praised the police response, noting: "We've had a community operation to direct people away from the hotspots and it has worked.

"Keighley is a diverse town and it's a unified town. We live together here as one."

Fulzar Ahmed of the Keighley Community Support group said: "The EDL wanted to attract attention, but they haven't had the attention they wanted.

"The police have been well prepared and many other people have played their part in keeping things low-key and keeping people away from any trouble."