A ring of steel thrown around Birmingham city centre prevented violence and trouble at rival protests by the English Defence League and Unite Against Fascism supporters.

There were four arrests during and after the demonstrations on Saturday.

The EDL rally took place in Centenary Square, while UAF supporters gathered in Victoria Square.

A separate community event organised by faith leaders was held in Chamberlain Square.

Around 500 EDL supporters arrived on coaches and trains from across the country, while there were about 150 UAF and other anti-fascist supporters, and 120 at the multi-faith event.

There were fears of a repeat of the violence seen when the EDL last came to Birmingham in 2009 where there were dozens of arrests and pitched battles between the opposing groups.

But a massive police operation ensured the protests passed off peacefully.

Three lines of police armed with riot shields stood between the UAF supporters and the EDL. There were fears when the rally started that trouble might happen because the EDL refused to gather in their designated place of Centenary Square.

A large group of about 300 gathered outside The Brasshouse in Broad Street, throwing glasses and fireworks and after 40 minutes eventually moved to Centenary Square.

Police closed Broad Street to all traffic and re-routed buses, as well as only letting through a small number of pedestrians during the protest.

Asst Chief Con Marcus Beale, who was in charge of the policing operation, said: “This was a successful operation, due in no small part to the excellent work with our partner agencies and representatives of our communities.”

Coun Alan Rudge, the city council Cabinet lead for community cohesion, said: “Both groups complied with the orders and conditions placed upon them and the events passed peacefully.”