Extra Police Drafted for EDL March

Hundreds of extra police officers have been drafted in for the EDL’s march in Exeter this Saturday.

Officers will be patrolling Exeter’s streets on horseback on Saturday in efforts to police the march planned by the far right group.

Units from Wales and Birmingham are among the 250 extra officers called in from across the country to support local police, with South Wales’ mounted unit providing the most visible presence.

Police have estimated that EDL members in the “low hundreds” are expected to travel to the city for the demonstration.

Police patrol the EDL at a previous demonstration.

A further 800 people are expected to join an opposition march organised by Exeter Together to celebrate diversity and resist “racism and fascism.”

Despite the heavy police presence and warnings of some congestion between 11am and 2pm, the public have been told to expect business as usual.

A spokesman from Devon and Cornwall police said: “We have received no information to suggest there will be any violence or disorder.”

The Students’ Guild have advised students heading into town on Saturday to “bear in mind” the political activity.