ENGLISH DEFENCE LEAGUE CALLED OUT AS 'NAZI SCUM' DURING MARCH IN NEWCASTLE

The EDL is not one to let a good terrorist act to promote their own brand of it, and their march in this UK town brought out hundreds telling them where they can stick it. 

The Express

Northumbria Police estimate 1,500 people turned out for the English Defence League (EDL) rally, which had been organised before the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, London, on Wednesday afternoon.

The group has seen its support soar since the killing, which appeared to be religiously-motivated.

A counter-rally, under the name of Newcastle Unites, was also held in the city, with people chanting: “NazI scum, off our streets”.

The two protests finished just yards apart in the city centre.

Recent university graduate Nicole Morley, 24, was working in the city centre at the time of the protests.

She told the Express: “It’s completely terrifying, the police presence is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

“They must be expecting trouble as there are more police on the streets than there was on derby day.

“There’s also a counter march of hundreds of people who object to the EDL which was really comforting to see.

“I think a lot more people would appose them but the atmosphere feels volatile and explosive.

“I’m at work in a pub in the city centre this evening and I’m actually concerned for my safety because of the EDL.”
One Twitter user who attended the Newcastle Unites march posted on Twitter: “Newcastle is my city. It is welcoming, warm, tolerant & diverse – the #EDL is not here in my name #NewcastleUnites against hate.”

Prior to the protest beginning, police arrested three people for allegedly making racist tweets.

Northumbria Police said two people from Gateshead and a third from Stockton, Teesside, were held earlier.

Newcastle area commander chief superintendent Gary Calvert said: “We appreciate that the events in London on Thursday may have heightened community concerns about this weekend’s planned protests in Newcastle.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation and will continue to adapt accordingly.”

EDL supporters waved flags from Teesside, Coventry and Bournemouth, along with one marked Taliban Hunting Club.

A man who appeared to be wearing British Army desert fatigues was given a rousing reception when he showed EDL supporters a flag of St George printed with the words RIP Lee Rigby.

About 1,000 officers were on duty in the city centre, backed by 10 police horses on loan from the West Yorkshire force.

One of the horses was Bud, the animal who was punched when Newcastle United fans fought with officers in the city following their 3-0 defeat to arch rivals Sunderland last month.