25 October 2012 Last updated at 11:07 ET

London EDL marches stopped by government ban

A series of marches by the English Defence League has been banned amid fears of serious public disorder.

Policing minister Damian Green agreed to a police request for the ban ahead of marches on Saturday in Walthamstow and elsewhere in north-east London.

The ban prevents all marches in Waltham Forest and nearby boroughs Islington, Tower Hamlets and Newham for 30 days.

The Metropolitan Police wrote to Home Secretary Theresa May asking for the ban two days ago.

Mr Green said: "Having carefully considered the legal tests and balanced rights to protest against the need to ensure local communities and property are protected, I have given my consent to a ban on all marches in Waltham Forest and three nearby boroughs for a 30-day period.

"I know the Metropolitan Police are committed to using their powers to ensure communities and properties are protected."

Ch Supt Peter Terry, the force's gold commander for the planned march, said: "We have made this decision based on specific intelligence and information and our message is clear - we do not want people coming into the areas to attend these events."