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These were the dramatic scenes today as English Defence League and anti-fascist protesters clashed in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police confirmed 12 people have been arrested after a demonstration in the city descended into violence.

The planned EDL demonstration was originally supposed to take place along a side street in the city centre while police contained anti-fascist protesters on nearby Lime Street.

But the EDL went off route and the groups clashed.

Bottles were allegedly thrown between the opposing groups of demonstrators, while bangs, believed to be firecrackers, were heard.

(Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: Liverpool Echo)

Lime Street was closed off by police as the demonstration took place.

Police said they used legislation under the Public Order Act to disperse the planned EDL demonstration in the interests of public safety.

Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: "Following a number of arrests for public order offences and increasing animosity between both groups the decision was made to disperse those involved in the EDL procession in the interests of the safety of those working, living and visiting the city centre.

"At some points members of the left wing were seen to throw darts, and flares were also activated.

"The safety of the public is paramount and due to the rising tensions between both groups the decision was made to halt the procession using Section 12 of the Public Order Act."

(Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: Liverpool Echo)

The EDL said the protest was being held to highlight a number of issues, including Islamic terrorism.

Members from branches including Coventry and the North East waved St George's flags.

The march was brought to a standstill for about 45 minutes when anti-fascist protesters sat in the road near Lime Street station.

Scuffles broke out between the two groups as the EDL demonstrators were moved back towards the station at around 3pm and put on trains out of the city.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Riot officers contained the group of demonstrators as they walked back along Lime Street.

The protesters were taken to the loading bay of the station, with police blocking off all access to the area.

It comes just months after a picture of an anti-fascist protester at an EDL march in Birmingham went viral.

Saffiyah Khan was pictured smiling nonchalantly while EDL leader Ian Crossland squared up to her.

She later said she was "not in the slightest way" scared and that she felt compelled to stand up for another Muslim in a hijab who was mob by around 20 protesters.