A POLICE chief has promised footage allegedly showing EDL marchers chanting racist comments during Saturday’s rally will be reviewed and action will be taken if necessary.

Chief Superintendent Mark Travis said he is “keen to have any footage” which shows potential evidence of racist language, having already passed on some clips to colleagues.

Around 150 supporters of the EDL, who said they were marching in opposition to plans for a new mosque on Stanley Road, were opposed by an estimated 500 counter-protesters.

The far-right group met in Angel Place at lunchtime before marching down to the Cornmarket, escorted by police, while the counter-protest began in Hill Street car park and marched through St Martin’s Gate.

Dozens of police officers from across the Midlands were utilised, with the two groups of protesters only allowed within 150 metres of each other.

Ch Supt Travis said the three arrests made were “low level issues and did not involve violence”.

Two were in relation to breaches of public order offences and possession of cannabis and one related to suspected criminal damage, drunk and disorderly and possession of cannabis.

The former two resulted in penalty points being issued and the third a caution.

The chief superintendent said they were the sort of offences you would expect due to the amount of people coming together in one place, rather than directly linked to the protests.

In July, an EDL march and a counter protest violently clashed on Broad Street and Ch Supt Travis said, “lessons are always being learned”.

He said discussions were held with the EDL and counter protesters prior to Saturday, which resulted in a “calm and relaxed” atmosphere on the day.

“The operation ran as expected. We were able to keep the two opposing groups apart – this allowed them to express their views peacefully and we ensured neither group was intimidated and could enjoy their freedom of speech.”

Ch Supt Travis said it was a “substantial policing operation” and there were resources in reserve in case the number of protesters increased above what was expected.

“There was really strong support from the local community and I was pleased with how they have worked with us to ensure they could express their views in a way that was peaceful,” he added.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion was also present in the city on Saturday and praised the “professionalism of our police force” and the work of several local partners.

“It was important the right balance was struck, ensuring people could protest lawfully and peacefully, while others could continue with their normal life or business in the city,” he said.