FAR right protesters clashed with police at a London rally calling for jailed Tommy Robinson to be freed.

Bottles, metal barriers and traffic cones were thrown at cops as thousands gathered in Whitehall in support of the EDL founder — sentenced in May to 13 months for contempt of court.

28 Protesters calling for the release of Tommy Robinson clashed with police in Central London, throwing barriers and charging at riot cops Credit: AFP or licensors

28 Police hold back violent far right thugs as they gathered in Whitehall Credit: AFP or licensors

28 Yobs swear at police as they call for the release of EDL founder Tommy Robinson from jail Credit: WENN

28 An injured policeman suffered a cut to his face during clashes today Credit: Getty - Contributor

28 Protesters set off flares as the marched outside Downing Street today Credit: WENN

28 The violence erupted in the shadow of the Cenotaph war memorial near Downing Street

28 Tommy Robinson was arrested outside Leeds Crown Court last month for broadcasting details of an ongoing trial

Five officers were injured and police made nine arrests — including one for possession of an offensive weapon during the rally on Saturday.

Speeches from firebrand rightwing activists including Dutch politician Geert Wilders, 54, took place in the shadow of the Cenotaph war memorial.

In footage filmed exclusively by The Sun, cops can be seen retreating as a wave of violent yobs throw cones and other objects.

Another video shows dozens of thugs scrapping with riot police to chants of "who are ya, who are ya" as the violence erupted this afternoon.

Far right protesters clash with police at Tommy Robinson demo in London

28 A thug chucks a traffic cone at police during clashes at the Free Tommy Robinson rally Credit: London News Pictures

28 Police charge on protesters in Central London as violence breaks out Credit: London News Pictures

28 Cops clash with Tommy Robinson protesters outside Downing Street Credit: 2018 Pete Maclaine / i-Images

28 Police try to contain the crowds as the rushed to the gates of Downing Street Credit: WENN

Wilders, who leads the far-right PVV party in Holland, was pictured being escorted away by cops as police tried to contain the crowd.

The politician, who was temporarily banned from Britain in 2009, called for Robinson to be freed during a speech watched by thousands.

He said: "I am here to tell you that you will never walk alone. And we are here to tell the world, and the UK government in particular: 'Free Tommy Robinson.'"

He added: "Tommy Robinson is a freedom fighter. He says what no-one dares to say. He has guts. He has courage."

Rows of riot police blocked the gate down the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace where the Royal Family gathered on the balcony after celebrating Trooping the Colour just hours before.

Supporters elsewhere gathered in other British cities including Leeds and Belfast — while some demos were staged outside British embassies in Europe.

28 The protesters pose for cameras with a sign reading 'police state' followed by an Islamic crescent moon

28 Tens of thousands gathered in London today after a similar event in Newcastle was scrapped yesterday

28 Marchers waved flags and banners as they called for Tommy's release

28 Far right Dutch politician Geert Wilders gave a speech before he was escorted by police

Moment English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was arrested

Police held back protesters from the gates of Downing Street as banners reading Free Tommy were waved.

One flag read "police state" followed by an Islamic crescent moon.

Other protesters scaled the steps of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square where they chanted slogans.

Hundreds of flag-waving demonstrators overran an open-top tourist bus — with one climbing onto the roof wearing a Donald Trump mask.

A spokeswoman for megasightseeing.com said: "Our London sightseeing bus was on its normal route when it got caught up in the demonstrations.

"The bus was stormed by demonstrators and the driver and a small number of customers got off.

"The demonstrators have caused a significant amount of damage to the bus which meant it had to be towed away."

CONTEMPT DEFINED: What is contempt of court and why can you be jailed for it? TOMMY Robinson was jailed for contempt of court after publishing material that could prejudice an ongoing trial. In the UK, a person can be found in contempt of court if they wilfully defy a court order. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the main types of the offence can be physically interfering in a trial, threatening witnesses or obstructing justice. Showing disrespect to a judge can also be contempt of the court. If someone is in contempt of the Magistrates' Court, a person can be imprisoned for one month or face a fine of up to £2,500. But for those in contempt of a Crown Court, they can be jailed for up to two years or face a fine. In the UK, media can only report the facts of a case as they are presented in court. In the US, contempt of court is generally not considered to be a criminal offence. Due to the First Amendment, the media outlet cannot be found in contempt of court.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "The protest held in Whitehall concluded at 17:00hrs today.

"During the protest there were scenes of violence which saw bottles, metal barriers and other objects thrown at officers. Five officers have reported injuries, which are not serious."

They added that the Met will scour through CCTV footage for further investigation.

It comes just a day after a similar rally Newcastle was called off.

The event, organised by the Northeast Frontline Patriots group, was scrapped as police feared being overstretched as an Ed Sheeran concert took place nearby.

Robinson, 35, was arrested last month after broadcasting details of a trial taking place in Leeds Crown Court — despite a court order banning it.

28 Yobs square up to the cameras as they marched through Central London

28 Protesters took over a double-decker bus during the demo today Credit: AFP or licensors

28 Tens of thousands of demonstrators flocked around Whitehall

28 Protesters chant as they gather in Whitehall, Central London today

28 Police collar a protester outside the gates of Downing Street

28 Raheem Kassam, fourth from the left, gestures as he walks to the rally

A reporting restriction had initially prevented the media from reporting his conviction but was later lifted.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC told Robinson, real name Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon: "Everyone understands the right to freedom of speech but there are responsibilities and obligations."

He was given ten months in jail for contempt of court, and an additional three months for beaching a previous suspended sentence.

Hundreds of protesters later assembled at the point where he was arrested calling for his release.

28 Demonstrators flocked to Whitehall today calling for the release of Robinson, 35, who was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court

28 Dozens of protesters pose for cameras as they make their way through Whitehall

28 Flares were set off as thousands crammed together outside Downing Street

28 A mounted police officer keeps an eye on the crowds

28 Thousands lined the street from Trafalgar Square down to Westminster

28 Crowds heard a speech from far right Dutch politician Geert Wilders Credit: Getty Images - Getty

28 Protesters gesture towards onlookers as they march through Central London Credit: WENN

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Around 500 demonstrators chanted "let Tommy out" at police outside Leeds Crown Court on June 1 .

The march saw supporters of the ex-EDL leader brand police officers a "disgrace" as they chanted: "You ought to be ashamed of yourselves."

It was organised by the group Proud British, which claims on Facebook that its purpose is to "voice freedom of speech" and "stop the strain on the NHS, schools and our public services".