Police have imposed strict conditions on an English Defence League (EDL) and Britain First rally set to go ahead in London to avoid "violence and disruption".

The Metropolitan Police has released rules for those in the rally to follow after the Unite Against Fascism (UAF) group announced it would also be there to counter the protest.

Conditions imposed include when the rally can begin, which is set for 1.15pm, and areas where they are permitted to walk, including Victoria Embankment , Trafalgar Square and Northumberland Avenue.

Police at EDL March which started in Marble Arch in July, 2016

Officers have also said participants must follow the directions of a constable even if they vary the route, to keep tension and disruption to a minimum.

Chief Superintendent Catherine Roperof the Met Police said: "The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption.

"Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term.

"What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested."

EDL protest, Hammersmith
EDL protests in Hammersmith, 2013, saw arrests after clashes between teenagers and a group of Muslim men

Police advised those who want to protest to do so peacefully and added: "We will adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder."

A march in 2013, two women were taken to hospital and eight men were arrested after the clashes, which involved up to 150 members of the EDL and a group of teenagers.

The decision to apply Section 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act was taken based on current tensions and concerns, the current intelligence picture about Saturday and previous marches and protests held by similar groups.

Breach of the conditions is a criminal offence, and anyone breaching them may be liable to arrest, the police said.

A policing operation will be in place during the course of Saturday 1 April.

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