Hundreds of far-right demonstrators gathered in Manchester on Saturday for an anti-Islam march organised by Britain First, prompting a significantly larger counterprotest and a major police operation that led to nine arrests.
Chants of “send them back” echoed through parts of the city centre as Union Jacks fluttered and protesters voiced anti-immigration slogans and criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Some participants appeared visibly under the influence of alcohol as the march set off near Piccadilly station.
A separate counterprotest, made up of antifascist groups and local residents, assembled nearby, carrying antiracist banners and a range of flags, including the Palestinian flag.
The two demonstrations converged in the city centre in scenes described by police as significantly disruptive.
Riot officers formed cordons as protesters from both sides shouted across police lines.
At one point, Britain First supporters prodded counterprotesters with flag poles, and officers intervened to pull three young people to safety after they staged a sit-down protest.
Ruby, 20, a student from South London whose grandparents were part of the Windrush generation, said attending the counterprotest was a “no-brainer”.
John, a counterprotester from Wales, accused far-right agitators of seeking confrontation and intimidation.
Pia Feig of Jewish Action for Palestine said counterprotesters were confronting what she described as “divisive, racist, dictatorial positions”.
Greater Manchester Police said 11 men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences including assaulting an emergency worker, public order violations and breaching a dispersal notice, though two were later de-arrested.
Nine men remain in custody.
A dispersal order was in place across the city centre until 20:00 GMT, granting officers authority to remove individuals from designated areas.
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson said 50 additional officers, alongside mounted and dog units, were deployed to manage the protests and other events, including a rally in support of Ukraine and a football match at the Etihad Stadium.
He said the operation aimed to support peaceful protest while reducing disruption and maintaining public safety.