EDL marches in Wellington over Telford child sexual exploitation - with video and pictures
The English Defence League marched through Wellington in response to a recent investigation into child sex exploitation in Telford.
Police said there were about 50 EDL marchers and 40 counter-protesters.
They were met in the town square by hundreds of police officers and counter-protestors on Saturday afternoon.
An EDL media spokesman, who would only give his name as Keith, said it was in protest to CSE.
He added: "We've come to Wellington because of the recent publicity that has come out about Muslims grooming and abusing girls in Telford."
The EDL expected about 60 members to turn up but Keith said technical difficulties meant many did not attend.
Leaders were due to give speeches to the crowd but the generator powering the PA system failed. One man attempted to deliver his speech but was drowned out by chants and whistle blowing from counter-protestors.
Counter-protestor, Chris Hicks, from Telford said: "The EDL is using CSE as an excuse for their Islamophobia. I have been to demonstrations when the EDL or British Nationalist Party have come to Telford before to show my opposition. It's great this time that we outnumber them."
Hundreds of police were drafted in to control the march and created a barrier between the EDL and opposition marchers.
Tarlochen Singh-Mohr, from Broseley, said: "I'm here to support the local community against the EDL, against division and against targeting minority groups in solidarity.
"It could be my community next, the Jewish community, or the gay community. We need to be promoting cohesion and working together because we can do it.
"This march today has had an affect on local trade too. Shops have closed and the Lion pub has closed. I'm all for being able to speak freely but they are doing it in the wrong way."
Pub stays shut
The EDL had planned to meet at the Lion pub at 11am then march into the town square at 1pm.
However, when the pub caught wind of the plans they made the decision not to open until the evening.
A statement from the pub said: "The Lion are aware that we have been named by The English Defence League as being the starting point of their silent protest.
"Due to this The Lion have taken the decision not to open until 5pm. We would like to stress we have no affiliation with the EDL."
Police had said they were hoping to keep disruption from the march to a minimum.
This afternoon they tweeted:
