Two men confront EDL leaders DO NOT USE AS WE HAVE TO PAY FOR EACH PUBLICATION
Two men confront EDL leaders Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll in Whitechapel, east London, 29 June 2013 (Piero Cruciatti for IBTimesUK) Piero Cruciatti for IBTimesUK

EDL leaders Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll have been arrested by police in Tower Hamlets, near the East London Mosque.

Robinson and Carroll were held Saturday 29 June, on suspicion of obstructing the police and attempting to enter Tower Hamlets, despite being ordered to stay away by police.

Two members of the public were also arrested amid reports that the English Defence League pair had been attacked in Commercial Street, close to Aldgate East tube station.

Up to 12 police officers bundled the four men in to a police van.

As he was taken into custody, Robinson ranted, "You couldn't make this up. The whole world is watching. All we want to do is complete our sponsored walk. Is this freedom in the 2013?"

Officers swooped on Robinson and Carroll as they approached the East London Mosque. Both are vocal critics of Islam. The mosque, in Whitechapel, has been previously linked with fundamentalist Islam.

Robinson and Carroll were taking part in a 'Walk of Honour' on Armed Forces Day in aid of a child who needs life-saving treatment for an illness.

A march planned by the EDL along the same route had been cancelled amid fears of clashes between the EDL, the area's large Muslim community and members of the anti-fascist group, Unite Against Fascism.

London