LITTLE trouble was caused by protesters who held a demonstation in Bolton town centre.

About 50 members from the North West Infidels, and 100 members of Unite Against Fascism, held demonstrations in Churchgate yesterday afternoon.

The two groups chanted and swore at each other from inside separate pens.

About 100 police officers were in Bolton town centre yesterday ready to deal with any trouble.

But the protests ended peacefully after about two hours. Two people were arrested for breach of the peace.

Both groups had dispersed by 2.30pm, and the road was soon back to normal.

Ch Supt David Hull from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Division said: "I would firstly like to thank the community and local business in the town centre for their support, cooperation and understanding.

"GMP respects everyone's right to a protest, but at the same time we have to balance this with the concerns of people in our local communities.

"We, Bolton Council and local community groups have worked hard over the last few days to ensure the protest took place with minimum disruption to members of the public and the demonstrators acted in a responsible manner.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "It was business as usual as Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police worked very closely to ensure a small planned protest by the North West Infidels in Bolton town centre was able to take place without causing major disruption.

“A counter-protest by Unite Against Fascism and associated groups also took place at the same time.

"The council liaised in advance with key community representatives, shopkeepers, businesses, stall-holders and licencees across the town to ensure we reached as many people as possible who could be directly affected by the event.

"Chief Executive Sean Harriss thanks everyone for their cooperation, and also thanks police and council staff for their efforts on the day."