Four held ahead of demonstration
Four men have been arrested ahead of a demonstration by an anti-Islamic group.
Three men were arrested in Manchester city centre hours before the English Defence League (EDL) take to the streets to protest against "radical Islam".
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said two men were arrested on suspicion of public order and one on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
A 39-year-old man, who was believed to be travelling to Manchester, was arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of distributing racially aggravated material and possessing cocaine.
A counter demonstration, by Unite Against Fascism (UAF), has already begun. Officers said about 250 people had gathered in Piccadilly Gardens.
Police issued a stern message to troublemakers. Ch Supt Gerry Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: "If people come to Manchester to protest they are legally entitled to do so.
"As soon as they step over the line between lawful protest then we will be taking positive action against those individuals.
"If you are going to come to Manchester and think you can get away with shouting racist, inflammatory remarks, you can expect us to respond."
The UAF indicated that they planned to occupy Piccadilly Gardens to "keep the EDL out".
