'Twelve' held in EDL Aylesbury town protest

Police said a small number of people led the disorder

Twelve people arrested following a protest by the English Defence League (EDL) in a Buckinghamshire town have now been released.

The EDL, which says it opposes "militant Islam", held the protest in Aylesbury's Market Square on Saturday.

Eight of the people arrested were held on suspicion of carrying offensive weapons.

Three were arrested for alleged public order offences and one on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

The march attracted more than 800 people.

Released on bail

Police said a small number of people led the disorder during the closing stages of the march.

Seven men arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and one arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, were released without charge.

A 27-year-old man from Houghton Conquest in Bedfordshire has been cautioned for possessing an offensive weapon.

A 40-year-old man and a 23-year-old man from Birmingham, who were arrested on suspicion of inciting violent disorder, have been released on police bail until June.

A 41-year-old man from Worthing in West Sussex, who was arrested on suspicion of committing a public order offence, has also been released on police bail until June.

'Good' community relations

Supt Richard List said: "It was the EDL whose actions were disorderly, and we were required to establish control.

"We are unaware of any police officers or EDL supporters who have been injured as a result of this.

"It has been a difficult day for the town... fortunately, community relations in the town are good and we will be continuing our partnership work to make sure that they stay that way."

Police said there were fewer protestors than the EDL had anticipated.

The group has held demonstrations over recent months in Manchester, Bolton and Derby.

A counter protest was held in Vale Park, but dispersed after several hours.