Protesters march through Telford over child sexual abuse

The group marched around the town in support of victims of child sexual exploitation and to demand a 'full Government inquiry' dedicated to Telford.

Many carried placards which said 'Victims reach out, we will save you' and 'Telford people demand enquiry'.

They gathered at Telford Central railway station at midday before marching to Addenbrooke House, where they taped a letter outlining their concerns to the council building's door.

Meanwhile about 40 members of the Stand Up To Racism organised a protest in Telford town centre, where they said they were standing against the alliance's 'message of hate and division'.

The alliance group marched up to Southwater Square where chants could be heard of "We want justice" as the group came face to face with the anti-racism protesters.

They then headed to Malinsgate Police Station where they delivered another letter to Superintendent Tom Harding.

A uniformed officer spoke to the group and discussed their concerns over how child sexual abuse allegations have been handled before UKIP MEP Bill Etheridge made a speech saying he was proud to support the group.

He said: "This is to do with standing up for what's right."

One member of the Democratic Football Lads Alliance, Joshua Sole, explained his reasons for taking part.

The 28-year-old, of Trench, Telford, said: "Kids were let down.

"I just want justice. There were failings and an independent inquiry is crucial."

Another member, Davey Robb, 53, of Woodside, said: "Hopefully we can get the point over that everyone in Telford is unhappy with the treatment of those young girls. There's been massive failings in the past. This march has nothing to do with racism."

Andy Brown, from United Against Fascism, was part of the counter protest.

He said: "We believe their protest is a cynical attempt to use the appalling crime of child sexual exploitation to further the Democratic Football Lads Alliance's own ends.

"All the victims of sexual exploitation deserve justice regardless of their social or ethnic background. We condemn and seek prosecution of all those responsible for these crimes irrespective of their ethnicity or creed."

The Democratic Football Lads Alliance has been accused of having far-right ties but says that it stands against "all forms of extremism".