Pegida far-right group led by former EDL head Tommy Robinson plans 300-strong 'peaceful' march

The Unite Against Fascism group will hold a demonstration in Victoria Square, Birmingham city centre, between noon and 4pm on the same day

Mirrorpix EDL leader Tommy Robinson
Support: Tommy Robinson talking at an EDL march

More than 300 supporters of a far-right group led by former EDL head Tommy Robinson are expected to attend a silent march next month.

West Midlands Police confirmed the Pegida UK event would see followers walk from Birmingham International railway station to a site at Birmingham International Business Park.

It was revealed earlier this month that the event, on February 6, would be kept out of the city centre.

Birmingham's political leaders also issued a joint statement saying Pegida UK would not be welcome.

The time of the demonstration has yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be early afternoon, reports the Mail.

Mirrorpix EDL leader Tommy Robinson
EDL: Birmingham's political leaders issued a joint statement saying Pegida would not be welcome

Chief Supt Alex Murray, of Solihull Police, said: “As a force we are vastly experienced in accommodating and preparing for such events having run operations around similar protests in Birmingham, Dudley, Solihull and Walsall – the most recent of which have passed off without incident.

Read more: Pegida: Anti-Islam group told it is ''not welcome'' ahead of first UK march

“We have been working closely with Solihull Council and other partners around the planning for this event.

“Organisers have told us they are planning a peaceful, silent march from the train station to the protest site.

“It is not clear how many people will take part but we are continually monitoring the intelligence picture to understand the scale of the event.”

The force said it expected around 350 Pegida supporters will attend the march.

Chief Supt Murray said there would be a highly visible police presence and more officers on standby in case of trouble.

Twitter / @SimonBird_ Pegida and Newcastle Unites demonstrations in Newcastle
March: Pegida and Newcastle Unites demonstrations in Newcastle last year

Officers have also visited businesses near the protest site to make them aware of the plans.

The policing operation also includes plans to manage any potential counter-protests.

The Unite Against Fascism group will hold a demonstration in Victoria Square, Birmingham city centre, between noon and 4pm on the same day.

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