Police clash with protesters as hundreds of far-right supporters and counter-demonstrators confront each other
Hundreds gathered outside Manchester Piccadilly station in Manchester on Saturday as supporters of far-right group Britain First prepared to march into the city.
The rally saw crowds waving Union Jacks and St George's flags as they lined the streets.
But they were met by counter-protesters organised by Stand Up To Racism, who staged a demonstration opposite the anti-immigration group.
Manchester City Council said Greater Manchester Police had a 'robust operational plan' in place to manage the protests, with a focus on public safety and maintaining order.
The council said a number of 'regular' protests are also expected on Saturday, adding some 'may occur across multiple locations in the city centre'.
MANCHESTER: Protesters clash with police during a far-right protest
MANCHESTER: Some demonstrators were arrested by police
MANCHESTER: Crowds were meeting outside Manchester Piccadilly railway station before a planned march towards Manchester city centre
MANCHESTER: Hundreds gathered in Manchester city centre as far-right demonstrators confronted counter protesters
MANCHESTER: Leader of Britain First Paul Golding, pictured, at the Britain First March
MANCHESTER: Counter protestors also showed up in Manchester today
MANCHESTER: In total, hundreds of people packed Manchester city centre
MANCHESTER: A group of protesters are seen holding St George and Union Jack flags
MANCHESTER: The far right protesters were confronted with counter-demonstrators
Police lined up to separate the two groups during the protest in Manchester
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: 'We respect and facilitate the right to lawful protest.
'As ever, appropriate plans will be put in place with the organisers and local partners to minimise disruption for those who live, work, and visit our city centre.'
This is not the only demonstration happening this week.
As previously reported, anti-migrant demonstrators faced off against anti-racism counter-protesters this evening outside a hotel on the south coast used to house asylum seekers.
Protesters gathered outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Hampshire, on Friday waving flags and calling for the hotel's closure.
Anti-migrant demonstrations have taken place across the South of England today, in locations including Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth.
All the protests are taking place at locations where the government are housing migrants while their asylum applications are processed.
SOUTHSEA: Protesters wave flags as they call for the Royal Beach Hotel to be closed to asylum seekers
SOUTHSEA: Anti-migrant demonstrators face off against protesters from Stand Up to Racism outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Hants, this evening, Friday 1st August 2025.
SOUTHSEA: Counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth staged an event at the same location 'to show friendship and solidarity with refugees'
In Southsea, counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth staged an event at the same location, holding signs reading 'Refugees welcome'.
The day of protests on the south coast follows similar recent unrest in Epping, where a series of demonstrations have taken place calling for the closure of The Bell Inn, a hotel used on and off for the last five years as accommodation for asylum seekers.
A ring of steel was also erected around The Britannia International Hotel, a luxury four-star lodging in London's Canary Wharf that has been converted to house migrants, following sweeping protests.
An Epping-style protest to stop migrants being housed above a town's shops took to the streets on Wednesday in Waterlooville, Hampshire - as thousands of locals warned of 'mayhem' if the plans go ahead.
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