Quote: Dozens have been arrested in Bolton during clashes between English Defence League and Unite Against Fascism protesters.
Police are battling to control thousands of demonstrators taking part in a protest today organised by the controversial right-wing group.
The EDL, an organisation which opposes "radical Muslims" and Sharia law, organised the rally in Victoria Square, Bolton.
A counter-demonstration by around 2,000 UAF supporters, who oppose the EDL, has led to 31 UAF members arrested and three from the far right wing group.
Police had expected trouble and the two factions were separated by barriers near the Town Hall, which has been boarded up as a precaution.
Several smoke bombs were let off by the protesters and two members of the public were taken for treatment to minor injuries after being caught up in the melee, police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Shewan said: "The number of arrests already made is a clear indication that this is not a peaceful protest and some demonstrators are determined to cause trouble.
"The actions of some demonstrators is resulting in injuries to others - this is not acceptable."
Mr Shewan had issued a stern warning to the protesters before the rally.
He said: "I must make it abundantly clear that anyone who is coming with the sole intention of intimidating communities or inciting violence and racism, as has sadly been the case in previous demonstrations, that we will take action against you."
Many shops and pubs are closed in the area, and most taxi firms stopped their drivers working.
The EDL describes itself as a peaceful, non-political group campaigning against "militant Islam".
But ugly scenes marked one of their protests in Manchester last year, with 44 arrests and 10 injuries.
Bolton Council leaders met with Home Secretary Alan Johnson earlier this week to ask him to ban the demo, but he told them he has no power to stop a protest unless it is on private property. | 
