Strict conditions have been placed by police on a planned march in Walthamstow by the far-right English Defence League (EDL) and a counter-demonstration due to fears over serious disorder.

EDL supporters are set to take to the streets on Saturday, while protesters taking part in a protest organised  by Unite Against Fascism and We are Waltham Forest is expected to attract large numbers. 

Police conditions under the Public Order Act allocate separate routes for the two protests as they make their way to Waltham Forest town hall, where rallies are due to take place.

The EDL march has been ordered to begin at Blackhorse Road station between 1pm and 4pm and will progress along Forest Road, with protesters permitted to gather from midday.

Those taking part have been told they can only join and leave the march at Blackhorse Lane.  

The EDL rally at the Town Hall has been allocated the north footway between Farnan Road and Hurst Road, and can only past one hour.

Anti-fascist protesters have been told to gather in Walthamstow town centre at noon.

The conditions say protesters can gather from midday and the rally outside Walthamstow Assembly Hall must end by 3.30pm.

Organisers have been informed of the conditions and leaflets will be distributed on the day.  

Chief Superintendent Gerry Campbell, the Met's spokesperson for the event, said: "When an organiser of an event comes to us, we need to balance their rights to protest with the impact their event will have on local businesses and residents. 

“Previous experience has led us to believe that if the protest by the EDL and the counter-protest by the UAF were allowed to go ahead without conditions, there would be a strong likelihood of serious disorder and serious disruption to the local community.” 

“We would encourage anyone who plans to come to the event to make sure they know where the meet up points are and what the conditions are so there are no surprises.” 

The EDL march follows a previous demonstration against the perceived 'Islamification' of the UK in 2012, when there were a number of arrests.