Police separate anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters across the country

Protesters have gathered across the country as groups demonstrated against asylum seeker housing and were met by anti-racism campaigners.

Demonstrations under the Abolish Asylum System slogan were held in England, Scotland and Wales, including in Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Aberdeen, Mold, Perth, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle, Horley and Canary Wharf. Counter-protests were also organised by campaign group Stand Up to Racism.

In Bristol, mounted police separated the two groups in the Castle Park, with officers scuffling with protesters. A 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

Avon and Somerset Police said no officer sustained serious physical injury or has required hospital treatment, but inquiries will be carried out after reports of assaults on officers. Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: "While there were moments of disturbance, we're pleased to say the two protests have passed without significant incident." Police kept around 200 anti-immigration protesters draped in English flags away from roughly 50 Stand Up to Racism protesters in Horley, Surrey.

One man, wearing a West Ham United football shirt, was held by police as he yelled: "You're not welcome here, you're not welcome here, you're not welcome here" at anti-racism protesters. Read more:Who says what on asylum hotels18 councils pursuing or considering legal action to block asylum hotelsMigration stats going in the wrong directionLabour may have walked into political trap over Epping hotel Anti-immigration protesters also chanted: "Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Robinson" in support of the far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

The anti-racism protesters chanted "say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here" and held signs calling for solidarity and to "stop deportations". The Stand Up to Racism protesters were shepherded into a smaller area as they continued to chant: "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here.