A massive police operation is now underway in Leicester ahead of today's rival demonstrations.

Hundreds of officers have been deployed to the city centre and many roads in the area are closed.

A protest by the English Defence League will take place in Humberstone Gate East this afternoon, along with a counter demonstration by United Against Fascism.

Protesters from both groups began arriving in the city this morning from.

A huge police presence met those turning up at Leicester's train station this morning.

Members of the English Defence League were then taken by bus to pubs in Hotel Street.

Convoys of buses of EDL members are also expected to arrive in the city in the next few hours.

Meanwhile, supporters of United Against Fascism began arrive at the Clock Tower, they moved on to Humberstone Gate East.

It is not clear how many demonstrators will turn up to the protests - but it could be several thousand.

Many shops and businesses around the protest area were closed and boarded up this morning.

Most within the city centre were open, but with extra security, although the numbers of shoppers was fewer than usual.

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