Plymouth is set to become the latest UK city to join a spate of recent protest action - as two demonstrations begin this evening. Three people have already been arrested in the city centre as the protests got under way at around 5.30pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrests were for anti-social behaviour. The arrests are not in connection with the demonstrations. Elsewhere around the country, other protests in Southport, Sunderland, Leeds, Manchester, Blackpool, and Stoke-on-Trent have all similarly dissolved into violent disorder.
And now, Plymouth is gearing up for similar action tonight - with police set to increase their presence in the city centre, and assuring members of the public they are "fully prepared to respond to incidents of disorder". Plymouth is the latest city to be added to a list of "stop the boats" protests, organised by the likes of former EDL leader, Tommy Robinson - who is currently on holiday with his children at a luxurious five-star hotel in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, despite being wanted on a court warrant. READ NEXT: This protest is expected to take place at 7pm at what Mr Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley Lennon - has called the "Guild Hall".
And it has been met by a counter-demonstration from anti-fascist group, Stand Up To Racism, which is scheduled for 6pm at the Guildhall Square. The group posted that "individuals from the racist EDL and international fascist groups have called a rally at 7pm at Plymouth Guildhall to spread hatred and lies.