A huge police operation to contain far Right extremists and prevent clashes with opposing protesters has been hailed a success.

After months of planning, the operation to ensure a protest by the English Defence League in Bradford did not get out of hand stopped any repeat of the disturbances that rocked the city in 2001.

Officers from seven other county forces made only five arrests for public order offences and only one policewoman was hurt despite bottles, bricks and smoke canisters being thrown.

A counter protest by United Against Fascism under the banner of We Are Bradford passed off peacefully and attempts by supporters believed to be from Manchester and Birmingham to goad the EDL were rebuffed by police.

A joint statement from Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood and Chief Superintendent Alison Rose said: "The mood of the city in general has been one of calm and local people have cooperated and supported the police by behaving sensibly or staying away."

  • You can read detailed coverage of how events unfolded and analysis of what the response to the protests mean for the future of both Bradford and the EDL in a special Bank Holiday Monday edition of the Telegraph & Argus.