Police arrest 11 as violence breaks out between far-right Britain First march and counter-demonstrators

Police have arrested 11 people over violence between far-right protesters and counter-demonstrators in Manchester city centre.

Supporters of the far-right group Britain First met outside Piccadilly station from 12pm ahead of a ‘march for return and mass deportation’.

Meanwhile, counter demonstrators including Resist Britain First and Stand Up to Racism met in Piccadilly Gardens at 11.15am.

Police delayed the Britain First march by an hour, which started just after 1pm and a 10-hour dispersal order was issued in the city centre.

Before the planned marches, fights broke out on the rally routes, and images emerged of protesters clashing with the police.

Counter-protesters were also seen sitting on the road to try to stop the Britain First march in the city centre.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 11 people were arrested for breach of public order, breach of the peace, assault on an emergency worker, assault and a removal notice.

Two of them were later arrested. The other nine are in custody.

Before the protests, Manchester city council leader Bev Craig had previously said Manchester had not ‘welcomed Britain First to our city’. He called on people to ‘send a clear message that hate has no place in our city’.

Footage emerged of protesters clashing with each other and the police ahead of planned marches

Manchester Police confirmed it had made six arrests for breach of public order, breach of the peace, assault on an emergency worker and breach of removal notice

Demonstrators carrying UK flags gather in Manchester to march in an anti-immigration protest demanding mass deportation

Counter-protesters are dragged away by police during a demonstration organized by the far-right group Britain First.

British First leader Paul Golding attends British First organisation’s ‘return march’ in Manchester

Council leader Bev Craig said in a statement: ‘We understand the alarm and distress caused when a group such as Britain First, which is considered a far-right hate group, chooses to meet in our city.

‘At a time when groups that promote division are seeking attention, our strength comes from standing together, celebrating our diversity and supporting each other.

‘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 of Return’ is a racist dog whistle calling for white supremacist ethnic cleansing in the UK through the forced deportation of people of color.

The previous ‘Britain First’ march led to numerous incidents of racism, homophobia and violence being recorded by march participants.

‘We’re calling on people from across the UK to come to Manchester and resist this racism on our streets and show that you do not support this bigotry.’

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson of Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Manchester was expected to be extremely busy today with numerous protests and several football matches planned in the city centre.

‘We have brought in extra officers to support people’s right to protest peacefully while also reducing the impact on the wider public.

‘Thanks to the efforts of our officers on the ground and planning with our partners, hundreds of people from a variety of groups were able to gather safely without any major issues being reported.

‘Greater Manchester is a place where people can express their views safely and legally, while ensuring residents, staff and visitors can go about their days feeling safe.’