Six people have been arrested in Manchester city centre as violence breaks out between far-right protestors and counter-demonstrators.
Supporters of the far-right group Britain First met outside Piccadilly station from 12pm ahead of a ‘march for remigration and mass deportations’.
Meanwhile, counter-demonstrators, including Resist Britain First and Stand Up To Racism met at Piccadilly Gardens at 11.15am.
Police held the Britain First march back for an hour, with the march setting off just after 1pm, while a 10-hour dispersal order was issued in the city centre.
Ahead of the planned marches, pictures emerged of protesters clashing with police as fights broke out along the routes of the rallies.
Counter protesters were also seen sitting in the road to try in an attempt to stop the Britain First march through the city centre.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they have made six arrests in relation to public order, breach of peace, assault on an emergency worker and breach of dispersal notice.
Prior to the protests, Manchester city council leader Bev Craig earlier said Manchester ‘does not welcome Britain First to our city’ and urged people to ‘send a clear message that hate has no place in our city’.
Six people have been arrested in Manchester city centre as violence breaks out between far-right protestors and counter-demonstrators
Ahead of the planned marches, pictures emerged of protesters clashing with each other and the police
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they have made six arrests in relation to public order, breach of peace, assault on an emergency worker and breach of dispersal notice
Demonstrators carrying UK flags gather to march for anti-migration protest as they demand mass deportation in Manchester
Counter-protesters are dragged away by police during the organised by far-right group Britain First
Leader of Britain First Paul Golding takes part in a ‘march for remigration’ organised byBritain First in Manchester
In a statement, council leader Bev Craig said: ‘We understand the alarm and distress that comes when a group like Britain First, which is widely regarded as a far-right hate group, chooses to gather in our city.
‘At a time when groups promoting division seek attention, our strength comes from standing united – celebrating our diversity and supporting one another.
‘Let’s come together and send a clear message that hate has no place in our city.’
A spokesperson for Resist Britain First said: ‘Britain First’s “March for Remigration” is a racist dogwhistle calling for a white supremacist ethnic cleansing of the United Kingdom by the forced expulsion of non-white people.
‘Britain First’s previous march led to multiple recorded instances of racism, homophobia, and violence by attendees of the march.
‘We call on people across the UK to come to Manchester to resist this racism on our streets and show that you do not support this bigotry.’
Assistant Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police Rick Jackson said: ‘We understand there will be significant disruptions across the city centre, and whilst we continue to facilitate the right to peaceful protest, our priority remains the safety of the public.
‘To ensure this, we have deployed a significant number of resources, including our mounted and dog units as well as over 50 additional officers to support.
‘We will continue working with local communities, businesses and partner organisations to ensure these protests remain safe and respectful for those involved.’
