Police have begun their operation to control demonstrations planned in Croydon this lunchtime.

Right-wing English Volunteer Force is staging a demonstration outside the UK Border Agency's Lunar House headquarters in Wellesley Road, Croydon at noon.

Trade unionists and anti-fascist groups will hold counter demonstrations in Bedford Park, Croydon, by Lunar House.

Police have been tweeting from their account @MPS Croydon about the operation, and will provide updates through the day.

They have said they have community officers in the town centre and along the London Road to provide reassurance to people in the area, and anyone concerned can speak with them.

In a statement Croydon Police’s deputy borough commander, superintendent Rob Atkin, said: :"We are aware of a planned demonstration to be held outside Lunar House, Wellesley Road, Croydon at 12 noon on Saturday.

"This is a static demonstration, and we are also aware of plans for a counter-demonstration to be held opposite in Bedford Park.

"I would like to reassure local residents and businesses that we have an appropriate and proportional policing plan in place to police both demonstrations.

"In addition, we will have local neighbourhoods officers on patrol in and around Croydon Town Centre, West Croydon and London Road.

"These officers will be visiting and speaking with local traders and residents in these areas, so if you have any concerns, then please do not hesitate to speak with these officers."

Supt Atkin added: "We will also have our regular officers on duty here in Croydon, who will be dealing with our day-to-day policing; rest assured that we will be carrying on with business as usual across the borough on Saturday.

"Our aim is to ensure that the demonstrations pass off peacefully and that they cause as little disruption as possible for local communities here in Croydon.

"I would like to thank our local communities for your continued support and understanding.”

A letter was delivered to retailers in the Whitgift Centre yesterday telling them extra security staff would be on patrol in the centre today.