
Furious protesters clashed in vicious brawls on the streets of London today as right-wing activists and anti-fascist demonstrators came to blows.

Britain First and the English Defence League rallied together in the capital for what they called a 'march against terrorism'.

But they clashed with protesters from a counter demonstration group Unite Against Fascism.

Frantic scenes unfolded when ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson arrived and a high number of police officers moved to contain potential trouble.

Authorities arrested 14 people for various offenses as the potesters gathered at Trafalgar Square and spilled on to nearby roads.

Furious protesters clashed in vicious brawls on the streets of London today as right-wing activists and anti-fascist demonstrators came to blows

Scuffles break out as police struggle to deal with the EDL and Britain First march in London

Protesters have clashed in London as tensions ran high between far-right groups and anti-fascist demonstrators

Britain First leader Paul Golding was at the protest in London today flanked by security as his group led a march in response to the Westminster terror attack

Britain First and EDL supporters carried Union Jacks and England flags as they rallied on separate campaigns in the capital on the same day

Furious protesters clashed in vicious brawls on the streets of London today as right-wing activists and anti-fascist demonstrators came to blows

A march and rally planned by Britain First and the English Defence League turned nasty

Police confirmed 14 people were arrested today after the protest, which began in Trafalgar Square and moved into surrounding roads

Crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square from around midday and must obey conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police which include following a particular route.

UAF protesters chanted 'EDL go to hell' and hundreds of protesters spilled onto the surrounding roads.

Scotland Yard said on Friday that the information and intelligence available to the Met meant that they felt it necessary to impose the conditions to prevent the demonstrations from resulting in 'serious disorder, serious damage to property, serious disruption to the life of the community, and to prevent the intimidation of local people trying to go about their business'.

Chief Superintendent Catherine Roper said: 'The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption.

'Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term.

'What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested.

Britain First and the English Defence League rallied together in the capital for what they called a 'march against terrorism'

One man was pictured being escorted away from the area by officers. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing

They clashed with protesters from a counter demonstration group Unite Against Fascism

Frantic scenes unfolded when ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson arrived and a high number of police officers moved to contain potential trouble

Former spokesman and leader of the English Defence (EDL) League Tommy Robinson was flanked by police officers as he spoke with other protesters

Former spokesman and leader of the English Defence League (EDL) Tommy Robinson in Trafalgar Square in London

UAF protesters chanted 'EDL go to hell' and hundreds of protesters spilled onto the surrounding roads

'If you want to protest on Saturday, we ask that you do so peacefully, no matter what your view. We will adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder, or is in breach of these conditions.'

On a Facebook event page, Britain First said 'all patriots welcome to attend', while the EDL said on an event page: 'After the vile terrorist attack on parliament we will stand together and show we will not now, not ever bow down and fear terrorists and terrorism. join us to show our strength.' (sic)

The event comes just over a week after Westminster terrorist Khalid Masood's murderous rampage left four people dead.

Police had to walk ahead of the far-right protesters for safety reasons in an effort to prevent the demonstration getting out of control

Some carried placards with messages including 'Stop the Islamic Terror' and 'Tommy was Ignored', referring to the EDL leader

Scores of Britain First supporters carried their Union Jacks through the streets of London and shouted and chanted as part of the 'We are Not Afraid' march

Others carried banners such as this one, which reads 'Political Correctness + Migration = Chaos', hitting out at Britain's recent immigration policies

But they were opposed by Unite Against Facism supporters in London who carried their own posters with the message 'No to the Nazis'

At Embankment, pictured, the Unite Against Facism group was kept behind metal gates by police to keep the area calm