A NEWLY-FORMED protest group is planning a demonstration in Swansea against Islamic extremism.

The group behind next month's event, the Welsh Defence League Swansea, has launched an internet campaign calling for people to join in its demo next month.

The location of the demonstration has yet to be announced, but police say they are aware of the plans, and will be monitoring it.

Swansea Bay Racial Equality Council, however, say there is no appetite for such a an event in the city.

Director Taha Idris said: "We are keeping an eye on the situation, but we do not think Swansea is not the sort of place to give credence to a group like this.

"We don't have the numbers of people with extreme views.

"In fact, people from communities across Swansea are more likely to show they abhor racism and views of that nature.

"Even in the east of Swansea where right-wing groups have tried to gain support they have had little success.

"If the Welsh Defence League Swansea wants to go ahead with it, and I do not think they will, I don't think there will be much support for them.

"Anyone who wants to stage a peaceful demonstration should be allowed to go ahead, although I think the motives behind this group are different to what they are suggesting.

"They are trying to sound politically correct, so it does not indicate their true intentions.

"Swansea is not generally the sort of place for demonstrations, although an exception is the march which took place to pay tribute to Kalan Karim in 2004, when people turned out to show solidarity against his racist murder.

"I would urge people not to go on the march with this group."

The Welsh Defence League Swansea website page states its goals as being: "No more mosques, no to sharia law, no to Islamic terrorists on our streets".

The page had a link providing an opportunity for people to leave comments, but has been disabled, due to "left wing scum", according to a note.

The demo is due to take place just over a month after riot police were called to The Kingsway, when a mass brawl took place outside Swansea Mosque on St Helen's Road, and later at Sin City nightclub.

Police said they did not believe it was a racially-orientated incident, despite claims by some witnesses.

Mike Smith of the Welsh Defence League said the Swansea branch has around 200 members after being set-up two months ago.

He said: "We are not a far-right group, and we do not intend to stage the demonstration outside the mosque, because that would be provocative.

"We are not a racist group either, as we have black and Indian members.

"And we are not against Muslims per se, but we are against Muslim extremism.

"If their stated of aim of Sharia Law is introduced to the UK, then gay people will persecuted, and women certainly will.

"Muslims are a minority in this country, and muslim extremists a smaller minority, and yet they are treated with kid gloves, while the rest of us are being treated more and more like second class citizens."

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "We are aware of the march being planned for October 17 in Swansea, and will be policing it accordingly."