RIGHT-wing protesters surged into stewards and police this afternoon during a “difficult day” in Aylesbury.

Police said the English Defence League held a 'largely peaceful' protest in the town centre, despite 12 people being arrested over the course of the day.

Eight people were stopped in cars on their way to the town and arrested on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons. Three were arrested for public order offences and one for being drunk and disorderly.

Police said the protesters surged into their lines during the closing stages of the protest in Market Square, but officers contained them for a short while and then allowed the groups to move out to coaches and the train station.

There were around 800 EDL supporters, with about 75 counter-protesters for United Against Fascism, who were gathered in Vale Park earlier in the day.

Richard List, of Thames Valley Police, said: “On the whole we experienced few problems but are disappointed that there was some public disorder towards the end.

“Thames Valley Police wants to make clear it was the EDL whose actions were disorderly, and we were required to establish control of this group before allowing them to leave Market Square to disperse.

“We are unaware of any police officers or EDL supporters who have been injured as a result of this.”

“We will be working with the local community and our partners to ensure that Aylesbury returns to normal as quickly as possible.

"Today has been a difficult day for the town but I would like to thank the local community and our partners who have worked with us to make sure that the protest has passed of with out major incident.”

Click the link below for a video of the protest.