Pegida march passes off peacefully

The event — organised by anti-Islam group Pegida UK — was allowed to go ahead after police said it "had no powers to ban it".

A counter demonstration by United Against Fascism was also held.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Jason Harwin said: “At the height of the protests we saw around 150 people in one group and 100 in the other. Both groups protested peacefully.

“Two men were ordered to leave the town centre (under section 35 of ASB, Crime and Policing Act).”

Mr Harwin said that 500 additional officers were available in Rotherham throughout the day to provide reassurance to the public and businesses.