Police made four arrests as massed lines of officers kept rival far right and anti-racist protesters apart on a day of tension in Birmingham city centre.
All those detained were part of a large counter-demonstration staged in Victoria Square in response to a Britain First march and rally based near New Street.
The West Midlands Police ranks were repeatedly tested as pockets of youths confronted officers and tempers frayed again when Britain First supporters marched nearby waving England and Cross of St George flags and chanting ‘Engerland’.
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Police were also called into action after the Britain First protest ended, when some of its followers tried to gain access to Victoria Square. Nearby drinkers trying to enjoy the sunny afternoon were ushered inside bars for their own protection.
The force estimated that just under 1,000 people were in the city centre to protest.
Two women, aged 27 and 28 years, were held on suspicion of assaulting police. While a 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting police and criminal damage and a man, aged 28, was held on suspicion of obstructing police.
The West Midlands force said it kept the groups apart to prevent trouble but counter-protesters who were “kettled” in the Square had attempted to break through.
In exchanges witnessed by a BirminghamLive reporter in Victoria Square, some people ended up on the floor and had to be pulled to safety by officers amid chaotic scenes.
While police dragged people off to waiting vans, young people – many wearing masks – pushed towards the police line.
The scene in Victoria Square today.
A police spokeswoman told BirminghamLive: “Police remain in Birmingham city centre this afternoon, following a protest and counter-protest earlier today.
“Officers have been keeping the two protest groups apart as we continue to prevent disorder and keep the public safe.
“A fourth person, also from the counter-protest, has been arrested on suspicion of obstructing police.
“This follows the arrest of three others earlier.
“We are reviewing video footage as our policing operation continues.”
A line of police keeps the two groups apart.
Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Burton, leading the operation, said: “Firstly I would like to thank the public for their patience, as we worked hard with our partners to keep everybody in the city centre safe.
“We have balanced the rights and concerns of the community with the need to facilitate protest, and those who came to protest have been able to exercise that right.
“We will continue to investigate any reported offences linked to the protests, and officers are reviewing video footage as enquiries continue.
“Officers have made several arrests today, ranging from assaulting police to criminal damage, and I thank colleagues for their hard work and dedication to public safety.
“We don’t underestimate the fear and anxiety that protests can cause to Birmingham’s communities, and officers remain in the city centre tonight and over the weekend to offer further reassurance.”
Britain First leader Paul Golding addressed his followers from a stage and again invoked the memory of murdered teenager Henry Nowak despite the express wishes of his family.
He said before the march that Birmingham was ‘our city’ and he wanted ‘millions of foreigners deported’.
“We’re taking over Birmingham today,” said Mr Golding, who was flanked by a team of security. “This is our city, the second-largest city in England and today it belongs to the British people.
“We want our country back. We want millions of foreigners deported. We want to be the majority in our own country.
“We’ve had enough of being treated like second class citizens.”
Police and Britain First supporters in Birmingham city centre this afternoon.
But the message of hate was countered by several councillors and other community figures and groups at the counter-rally.
Coun Izzy Knowles (Lib Dem, Moseley) said: “We all get on. You just have to come to my ward in Moseley to see the different restaurants.
“The message of division being spread by Britain First is not what we want to spread in Birmingham.
“We reject what they are about. I am here in solidarity with people who do not want to see their message.”
Birmingham City Council senior officials and West Midlands mayor Richard Parker had also called on Britain First to stay out of the city.
New council leader Roger Harmer and other members of his cabinet issued a joint statement which read: “Birmingham’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we are proud to be a place where people from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths live and work side by side.
“We stand firmly against hatred, division and the scapegoating of any community and in solidarity with all our diverse communities.
“Our city’s history and future are built on respect, inclusion and opportunity for all.
“We encourage residents to continue showing the values that make Birmingham what it is — welcoming, resilient and united.”
Mr Parker posted on X: “Britain First are protesting in Birmingham today. They are not welcome. The city – and our region – do not share their divisive and dangerous rhetoric.”