A controversial rally in Bradford by the English Defence League has been cancelled following the arrest of its leader.

The EDL had planned to hold the event in the city centre on May 30.

A similar demonstration in Leeds last October by 200 EDL members led to stand-offs with the Unite Against Fascism group, and one of West Yorkshire Police’s largest operations, which resulted in relatively little trouble.

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, Divisional Commander of Bradford South Police, had pledged that if such an event took place it would be policed with the same proper resources and professionalism as the Leeds rally.

She declared: “I don’t think the community will allow something like this to damage all the hard work that has gone on.

“I will do my best to make sure that anybody who wants to damage those relationships are properly dealt with.”

Yesterday the EDL confirmed the cancellation of the Bradford demonstration “as a small concession,” following the arrest of members of its leadership team as they travelled to a Scottish demonstration on Saturday, but promised further protests.

On the EDL’s website, a masked man announced: “The EDL leadership is saddened to announce the cancellation of the Bradford demonstration on May 30.”

The mystery man said the cancellation was due to the arrest of the organisation’s leader, Tommy Robinson, on “ludicrous” charges.

He said Mr Robinson must appear at Sheffield police station at the same time as the Bradford demonstration had been due to take place.

Chief Supt Rose was on leave yesterday and West Yorkshire Police would only say: “We are aware of the entry on the EDL website.”