Hundreds of anti-fascist protesters gather in Brighton (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Tens of thousands of anti-fascist protesters flooded the streets in towns and cities across the UK on Wednesday night (August 7) amid threats from far-right groups of further violent demonstrations. The counter protests came amid fears that far-right groups might target more than 100 parts of the UK.
Following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on July 29, there have been 10-days of violent unrest in towns and cities across the UK which has seen hundreds of people arrested and hundreds of police officers injured.
On Wednesday night, police had prepared for disturbances in 41 force areas out of 43 in England and Wales. It followed a list circulating of 38 towns and cities deemed as "target" areas for protests today, with 6,000 riot officers poised across the UK. Shops, restaurants and other businesses had boarded up their premises amid fears of violence.
However, counter protesters turned out in their thousands to protect their towns and cities with no serious violence reported by 9pm. Crowds gathered in towns and cities including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool and Hastings, holding banners saying "Fight racism", "Stop the far right" and "Will trade racists for refugees".
More than 3,000 people also gathered in Bristol, where a large banner reads "Fascists not welcome" and another sign says "Racism is not patriotism". Newcastle has also seen similar scenes. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
More than 3,000 people gathered on West Street, Bristol (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
In Walthamstow, London, thousands of people gathered near an immigration centre amid reports of a far right demonstration. Incredible videos from the scene shows the huge crowd of anti-protesters in the streets, with police estimating the number at around 5,0000. Many of those present are waving placards with messages such as "stop the far right" and “refugees welcome”. Others were chanting "No hate here in Walthamstow", reports The Mirror.
In Brighton, estimates say at least 500 counter-protesters had arrived in the city's Queens Road by 7pm following information circulating online about planned events in Brighton, as well as Hastings and Crawley, leading to a Sussex police mobilsing specialist and additional resources. Local news outlet Brighton and Hove News said only around “four or five” members of an anti-immigration crowd turned up.
Counter protesters outnumbered any planned demonstrations in Walthamstow (Image: Getty Images)
In Northamptom, police asked counter protesters to leave after the expected demonstration did not materialise. Northants Police said on social media: “One hour since planned protest was due to start and there has been no disorder tonight. Police are now asking the crowd of counter-protesters to disperse peacefully for the evening. Kettering Road still partially closed for now." Hundreds of counter protesters also gathered in Liverpool and Birmingham.
Despite the majority of forces facing very little trouble, the Metropolitan Police said about 50 people gathered in Croydon, south London, and had "made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder".
In Belfast, Petrol bombs and stones were thrown as a convoy was targeted as it passed side streets. For another night the main instigators appeared to be masked-up youths dressed in black.
The aftermath of disruption in Belfast on Tuesday which continued into Wednesday (Image: PA)
More than 400 people have been arrested so far across the country after several days of violence. Dozens have already been charged and appeared before the courts, the majority of which have been refused bail. The first were jailed yesterday, with some being sentences to years in prison - you can read about that here.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson has meanwhile warned those inciting violence online - or even sharing posts that do so - could also face arrest. He said: “Anyone stirring up hateful or threatening activity on social media is potentially contributing to the violent disorder on our streets.
“You may be committing a crime if you repost, repeat or amplify a message which is false, threatening, or stirs up racial/religious hatred. Be mindful of what you are saying and sharing online, as you could face prosecution.”