ANTI-FASCIST campaigners in Nottingham have taken a stand against attacks on Muslims in the wake of the murder of a British soldier.
More than 50 people gathered in Old Market Square on Saturday to display an anti-fascism and anti-racism messages outside the Council House.
It came amid rumours circulating on the internet that members of the English Defence League (EDL) were planning to stage an unofficial protest in the square.
Although no obvious EDL demonstration took place, people opposed to the group displayed banners with the words "Love Music, Hate Racism" and "EDL = Fascism" during the gathering, which was watched over by a handful of police officers.
Among the crowd was former Notts Unison branch organiser Mike Scott.
He said: "Race relations in Nottingham have genuinely been pretty good and I don't want to see anything happening that is going to change that."
Liz Silver, of Notts Disabled People's Movement, also attended.
She said: "I am pleased there is such a lot of people here, showing that there is absolutely no support for the EDL.
"This murder in London was terrible but it was two people acting on their own and not for an organisation."
British soldier Lee Rigby, 25, was murdered in Woolwich, London, by two men last Wednesday.
Since the attack, inter-faith charity Faith Matters has received more than 160 calls about anti-Muslim incidents having taken place across the country.
Matt Vicary, 26, of Forest Fields, held up the "Love Music, Hate Racism" banner.
He said: "We turned up just in case [the EDL did].
"Up and down the country there has been such a backlash. There have been more than 150 incidents and attacks, not just physical but on mosques.
"Groups like the EDL want to open up racism, but it is going to bring more violence. We just have to stand united against it."
Muslim organisations and representatives of Nottingham Interfaith Council have already met to discuss and condemn the murder of Drummer Rigby.
The interfaith council has issued a statement saying it condemned the attack and "all forms of extremism, whatever they are".
It added: "The thoughts of both the Muslim community and other faith communities in Nottingham are with the family of the man who lost his life and we pray for him."
The Muslim Organisation said in a statement: "These people do not represent the peace-loving Muslim community or Islam at all."
Notts Police have said they will not tolerate any action that may cause harassment or fear amongst residents.
There will be a unity and solidarity event at 7pm on Wednesday at the Kashmir Centre, in Carlton.
It is expected that more than 500 people will attend to demonstrate that Nottingham is united against extremism.
