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Police hope there will be “minimal disruption” when right-wing extremists and anti-fascist demonstrators stage counter-protests in Liverpool city centre tomorrow.

Merseyside Police said it has drawn up a ‘policing plan’ to keep the public safe as the National Action group and the Anti-Fascist Network stage marches within two hours of each other.

The force said both marches were allowed under the Human Rights Act, which allows peaceful protest.

National Action, made up of racists and neo-Nazis, will stage its so-called ‘White Man March’ at 2pm.

The counter-protest by the Anti-Fascist Network will begin two hours earlier. It is unclear how many marchers will join each group.

Merseyside Police said in a statement: “Merseyside Police will have a policing plan in place following the receipt of a notification by National Action to march through Liverpool on Saturday, August 15 from 2pm.

“A counter protest march will also be taking place at earlier in the day, from midday in the city centre, and at this stage it is unclear how many protestors will be taking place in either march.

“In accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998 the force is obliged to facilitate peaceful protest for both groups.

“Officers will be working with partners including Liverpool city council and Merseytravel to try to ensure minimal disruption to members of the public visiting the city centre on Saturday afternoon.”

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