The city came out in full force yesterday to show people taking part in a proposed far-right demonstration they were not welcome. Thousands of counter-protesters faced off with half a dozen anti-immigration protesters who set out to target a lawyer's office in Queens Road in Brighton . Instead they were confined to a small space outside the BBC's office surrounded on all sides by activists, many wearing balaclavas or face coverings, who wanted to show they were not welcome.
Brighton was noticeably quiet in the run-up to the demonstration with many businesses closing early and even installing wood hoardings in front of windows after hearing rumours the city could see similar scenes to those in Southport or Birmingham. Buses were stranded in the middle of crowds (Image: The Argus) Crowds started to gather in Queens Road on opposing sides of the pavement, mostly in show of support for the city's diverse culture - of which some said immigration is the very foundation of. But it was not long before clashes erupted between this group and a small group of protesters wanting a stop to immigration after rising concerns over crimes committed by these groups.
Police swooped in and created a human barrier between the two which stayed throughout the evening, while counter-protesters lobbed eggs, flour and even bananas towards the six-strong - and a dog - group of activists. Read more: Clashes and chants as hundreds gather for counter-protest As darkness fell police rounded them up and slo.