POLICE protected racists and fascists who marched through Leeds over the weekend but “kettled” protesters opposing the rally, the Star was told today.

The self-declared Yorkshire Patriots group were demanding the release of Tommy Robinson, former leader of the English Defence League, who was jailed in Leeds in May.

Robinson – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – received a 14-month sentence for contempt of court.

An estimated 50 to 60 of his supporters marched through the city yesterday protected by a heavy police presence, according to an eyewitness.

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner reported the number of his supporters to have been far higher at around 250.

Meanwhile, dozens of police blocked supporters of the Anti-Fascist Network (AFN) from opposing the march.

One witness to the police officers’ actions said: “I witnessed the police being very aggressive towards the AFN and them also being ‘kettled’ in on Vicar Lane in the city.

“The fascists were able to go merrily on their way while the police brought in a large number of officers to surround the AFN.”

Around 700 anti-fascists also attended a rally organised by Stand Up to Racism and Yorkshire and the Humber TUC outside Leeds Town Hall where they were addressed by MPs, councillors and other campaigners.

Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon, who is Labour MP for Leeds East, told the rally: “The scapegoating of migrants and minorities lets those responsible for austerity, cuts, poverty and despair off the hook.”

Other speakers included Jane Aitchison of Leeds trade union council, and speakers from probation officers’ union Napo, GMB, public service union Unison and teaching union NEU.