THREE men from the Black Country were among 15 due to appear in court today (Friday March 21) accused of taking part in disorder at an English Defence League protest in Birmingham last year.

James Olley-Shields, aged 21, of Hanbury Hill, Stourbridge; Lee Joshua, aged 42, Highbridge Road, Netherton; and John Warrender, aged 27, of Oakdale Close Oldbury, were due to make their first appearance at Birmingham Magistrates Court after being arrested as part of a nationwide operation by cops after violence flared on July 20 2013 when a protest was held in Centenary Square.

The latest appearances brings the number of people charged in connection with last July’s demonstration to 34.

Last month 19 men were charged with offences linked to the disorder. They appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court and their cases have now been committed to crown court.

Detectives continue to appeal for information relating to 24 men who have yet to be identified.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigation team at Canterbury Road police station by dialling 101.

Images of seven men suspected of involvement in disorder at a counter demonstration, held on the same day in Chamberlain Square, have also been released and can be seen on the West Midlands Police website www.west-midlands.police.uk