Five Muslim protesters have denied attacking members of a rival sect during a protest about the Syrian conflict.

Mirza Ali, 38, of Lambkins Mews in Walthamstow, Jordan Horner, 29, of Radbourne Crescent in Walthamstow, and three others are accused of  instigating a mass brawl in Edgware Road on May 10.

Violence flared during an anti-Shia protest led by radical preacher Anjem Choudary, also from Walthamstow, leading to at least one man needing hospital treatment.

Ali and Horner, along with Mohammed Ishtiaq Alamgir, 34, of Kenilworth Road in Luton, Mohan Uddin, 35, of Trinity Road, Luton, and Kamran Khan, 28, of Wodecroft Road, Luton, are accused of violent disorder and affray.

All five men pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey.

A trial will begin in April next year.