Officers have blamed a "hardcore element" of EDL supporters for breaking through police lines.

Officers have blamed a "hardcore element" of English Defence League supporters for breaking through police lines.

Up to 200 of the group's supporters forced their way past them towards the end of Saturday's city centre protest.

It is understood the group was later involved in skirmishes with youths in the Humberstone Road area and elsewhere in the city centre, as well as an attack on a restaurant.

Police believe members of an opposition group known as the Muslim Defence League – thought to be from the West Midlands – were also present in the city and became involved in some disturbances.

Cheap Van Insurance For 17,18 & 19 Year Old Drivers - Call...

Insure365

View details

Print voucher

Cheap Van Insurance For 17,18 & 19 Year Old Drivers - Call Insure365 01782 898188
Free Legal Protection Included Valued at £25.00!

Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer

Contact: 01782 898188

Valid until: Friday, June 21 2013

Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon said there were 1,000 EDL supporters and 700 others backing a counter protest organised by Leicester Unite Against Fascism.

Mr Nixon blamed a hardcore element of the EDL which was determined to break through police lines.

He said an investigation was ongoing. The UAF counter-protest passed without incident.

Before they were rounded up by police a group of EDL supporters attacked the Big John's fast food restaurant, in Humberstone Road.

Usman Ali, area manager for the chain, said: "They smashed four windows and came inside the shop and frightened our customers.

"Everyone is fine, although it was a very frightening experience for our staff and the people who were here eating their dinner."

Witness Imtiaz Noor Mohammed, 21, of North Evington, said: "I was with friends getting something to eat.

"People saw them coming and someone locked the door. They smashed some windows and one of the EDL people kicked the door open and stood there threatening people.

"There were only families in there; men, women and children eating together. The whole thing was over in a minute but it was very scary."

The EDL appeared to have failed to stick to an agreement with police for its supporters travelling by coach to rendezvous with police at Leicester Forest East service station on the M1 before being escorted into the city centre. Instead, around 400 of its followers appeared without warning in Market Harborough. Police said they diverted officers to the town quickly.

Youtube footage of incidents, including the one at Big John's, is at: