Senior Muslims in traditional religious dress gathered early in sunlit Centenary Square, Bradford, today for a peaceful protest against the American-made film about the Prophet Muhammed.
As they sat ringing the paved area, police kept a low profile as uniformed officers mixed and chatted with community leaders.
But by 3.30pm the tables and chairs outside bars and restaurants in the area were discreetly moved inside as the number of protesters began to swell.
Organisers, the Council for Mosques, expected thousands but half-an-hour into the rally the crowd was still only in its hundreds.
It opened with a recitation from the Holy Koran and before speeches began there was an impassioned appeal to everyone to keep calm.
The speaker emphasised the protest was not about creating chaos.
"It’s not about creating trouble," he said.
"It’s about registering our hurtful feelings that we all feel and that our beloved, beloved Prophet has been insulted in a disgraceful manner.
"We are here to show that we are not the troublemakers, we are the peace makers."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article