Four held during far-right and anti-racist marches

Four people were arrested yesterday during far right and antiracism counter-protests as organiser Tommy Robinson missed his own event after being remanded in custody.

- INDEPENDENT REPORTERS

Two arrests took place at the far-right protest organised by Mr Robinson, 41, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, where demonstrators displayed anti-immigration placards.

Around midday, thousands of Mr Robinson’s supporters gathered in central London, marching from Victoria Station to Parliament Square.

Among the messages were signs reading “Two tier Keir fuelled the riots”, alongside calls to “Bring back Rwanda” and “Stop the Boats”. Some demonstrators were seen holding cans and glasses of alcohol.

The Metropolitan Police reported that two individuals from Mr Robinson’s protest were detained on suspicion of breaching Public Order Act conditions and another on a racially aggravated public order charge. Meanwhile, a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism, encouraged by calls for a “massive antifascist demonstration”, saw thousands rallying in the capital.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott and trade union leaders spoke to the crowds gathered.