Three people were arrested during today's march in Oxford by the English Defence League, police have confirmed.

The march began at just before 2pm and about 150 EDL members made their way from Oxford rail station past County Hall before arriving at St Aldate's Police Station.

A large police presence, believed to be more than 500 officers, had been deployed in the city centre, with a line of officers and vans in Queen Street separating EDL members from a counter-demonstration by Unite Against Fascism and other anti-fascist groups in Bonn Square.

Prior to the march there were reports of minor scuffles as the two groups faced off, with mounted officers deployed to keep the peace.

Police closed Queen Street and then St Aldate's as the EDL group marched across the city, with the demonstrators leaving about 5pm.

All roads are now reopened.

Police this evening confirmed three people had been arrested during the day's event.

A 49-year-old man, from Kidlington, Oxfordshire, was arrested on suspicion of affray.

A 24-year-old man, from Bristol, was arrested on suspicion of affray.

A 44-year-old man, from Summertown, Oxfordshire was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a Section 35 (failure to leave an area on request from police)

All three men are in custody in an Oxfordshire police station.

A Thames Valley Police officer sustained a minor head injury during the operation. He suffered cuts to his head after objects were thrown but is fine.

Supt Christian Bunt, LPA Commander for Oxford, said: “I am pleased that these demonstrations have passed off without major incident.

“Disruption was kept to a minimum and we are grateful for the support we received from local businesses and communities.

“The success of the operation is, in no small part, down to the excellent work before and during the event between the police, our partner agencies, representatives of our communities and the protest organisers.

“There were a few arrests made over the course of the day, however, the majority of those taking part were well behaved.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our communities, some of whom understandably had concerns about the demonstrations, for their tolerance, cooperation and patience today.

“I am very proud to be the commander of an area that has such a clear and strong sense of community, which was evident throughout the day and in the lead up to today’s protests.”

Several businesses closed for part of the day due to the march.

The White Rabbit pub in Friars Entry was shut until 3.30pm.

Senior officers had previously advised drivers to avoid the city centre because of possible delays due to the march.

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