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A public discussion about equal rights descended into violence when a transgender group and feminists clashed.

A 60-year-old woman was punched in the face after one of the factions ambushed their bitter enemies.

Members of Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists had gathered at Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park, central London ahead of a talk on gender issues.

They moved the discussion from another venue in London after threats were made by rivals Trans Activists.

But the protesters discovered the 50 TERFs were meeting in Hyde Park and confronted them.

Video footage showed the two groups coming to blows in front of stunned onlookers on Wednesday evening.

Police are investigating after mum-of-two Maria MacLachlan was punched in the face.

She is a TERF - feminists who are opposed to some campaigning by transgender women.

Maria said: “I was chatting to one of the speakers and people started to come who looked different to the rest of us.

“There was quite a generation thing. These studenty-looking types were turning up and some arguments started to take place.

“These kids started shouting, ‘When the TERFs attack, we fight back.’ I thought, ‘I can film this, it will be interesting.’

“They were getting louder and louder. Then suddenly someone tried to grab my camera. It was scary.

“Someone kept trying to get my camera. I think it was a girl, but I couldn’t tell because they had a hoodie over their eyes.’

Maria later identified a trans-woman who is currently trying to raise £5,000 for vocal-cord surgery as one of her attackers.

Scotland Yard says an investigation is ongoing and video evidence will form part of their inquiries.

Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists (TERFS) say trans females are not real women and should not share their rights and women only areas.

Trans Activists include Action For Trans Health London, LGBTQ+ Society and Sisters Uncut.