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Masked protesters are set to descend on central London in their hundreds for an annual Bonfire Night protest organised by activist group Anonymous.

Swathes of activists are expected to flood Trafalgar Square and Westminster on Sunday night for the so-called Million Mask March to protest against the government and capitalism.

Police have urged organisers to work with them to ensure a safe and peaceful protest after demonstrations in previous years were marred by trouble.

Last year, fireworks and flares were lit and thrown into crowds and launched at police officers.

Scores of riot police were deployed and 53 people were arrested as furious protesters shouted of “f*** the police”.

Million Mask March London 2016 15 show all Million Mask March London 2016 1/15 Getty Images 2/15 Getty Images 3/15 Protesters confront the police on The Strand, PA 4/15 Protesters confront the police on The Strand PA 5/15 Police arrest a protester clutching a mask in Trafalgar Square Getty Images 6/15 Protesters don V for Vendetta-inspired Guy Fawkes masks EPA 7/15 Protestors follow police down Whitehall, London PA 8/15 There is an increased police presence for the march Joel Goodman/LNP 9/15 Masked protesters hold banners and flares as they stand on Nelson's Column Getty Images 10/15 The march was organised by the group Anonymous to protest austerity, government policy and what they consider corperate AFP/Getty Images 11/15 Campaigners set off flares as they began the march to Downing Street Getty Images 12/15 The group met at Trafalgar Square Getty Images 13/15 A masked protester holds a sign which reads 'We Are Legion' in Trafalgar Square Getty Images 14/15 Many are wearing the Guy Fawkes mask associated with the Anonymous hacking collective Getty Images 15/15 A protester holds a sign reading 'England under new management' AFP/Getty Images 1/15 Getty Images 2/15 Getty Images 3/15 Protesters confront the police on The Strand, PA 4/15 Protesters confront the police on The Strand PA 5/15 Police arrest a protester clutching a mask in Trafalgar Square Getty Images 6/15 Protesters don V for Vendetta-inspired Guy Fawkes masks EPA 7/15 Protestors follow police down Whitehall, London PA 8/15 There is an increased police presence for the march Joel Goodman/LNP 9/15 Masked protesters hold banners and flares as they stand on Nelson's Column Getty Images 10/15 The march was organised by the group Anonymous to protest austerity, government policy and what they consider corperate AFP/Getty Images 11/15 Campaigners set off flares as they began the march to Downing Street Getty Images 12/15 The group met at Trafalgar Square Getty Images 13/15 A masked protester holds a sign which reads 'We Are Legion' in Trafalgar Square Getty Images 14/15 Many are wearing the Guy Fawkes mask associated with the Anonymous hacking collective Getty Images 15/15 A protester holds a sign reading 'England under new management' AFP/Getty Images

Scores of protesters are expected to don V for Vendetta masks associated with the Anonymous internet activist group, which organises the demonstration each year as part of a global movement.

Potential troublemakers were warned they face immediate arrest for any breaches of new conditions imposed under the Public Order Act.

The march has been limited to a three-hour slot between 6pm and 9pm on Sunday and protesters will be allowed to congregate only in Trafalgar Square, on the stretch of Whitehall outside Downing Street and in Parliament Square.

Police chiefs cited acts of violence during previous events, as well as criminal damage to London's memorials and harassment and verbal abuse of police officers for the restrictions.

So far, nearly 2,000 people have said they are attending or interested in attending, on the event's Facebook page.

A post on the page reads: "We have seen the abuses and malpractice of this government, and governments before it.

"We have seen the encroaching destruction of many civil liberties we hold dear, we have seen the pushes to make the internet yet another part of the surveillance state.

"We have seen the government's disregard for migrants, for the poor, the elderly and the disabled, we have seen the capital, profit and greed of the few put before the wellbeing of the many and we say enough is enough."

It finishes: "The government and the 1 per cent have played their hand. Now it's time to play ours. Expect us."

There was public outcry following 2015's event when protesters deliberately targeted police horses patrolling the event, injuring six of them.

The Metropolitan Police said criminality at the protest had increased year on year, with 53 arrests in 2016 up from four in 2012.

Chief Superintendent Elaine Van-Orden said the Met aimed to allow peaceful protest, but "due to the previous history of this event, we have strong reasons to believe that peaceful protest is the last thing on the minds of some of those who will attend".

She said: "Our message, as it was last year, is simple: if you wish to protest peacefully, that is your right and we want to work with you. If you commit criminal acts or breach the conditions of the event, you are liable to be arrested."