A far-right thug has been jailed for seven years after beating a photographer with a flagpole until it snapped in half at an anti-immigration protest.

Peter Atkinson, 46, was one of a group of demonstrators at the protest in Dover, Kent, which descended into violence on January 30.

Neo-Nazi Atkinson started walking towards photographer Kelvin Williams who was taking pictures of the event alongside other journalists, holding a flagpole.

Far-right thug Peter Atkinson beating photographer Kelvin Williams at an anti-immigration protest in Dover in January

Mr Williams attempted to run but slipped and fell to the ground, at which point Atkinson repeatedly attacked him with the pole

Photos were taken of the assault, which left the victim with multiple bone splinters to his elbow, and hours later Atkinson was identified and arrested

Mr Williams attempted to run but slipped and fell to the ground, at which point Atkinson repeatedly attacked him with the pole until it snapped in two, before fleeing the scene.

A police officer came across the victim and provided him with first aid before he was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Photos were taken of the assault, which left the victim with multiple bone splinters to his elbow, and hours later Atkinson was identified and arrested.

He was searched and found to be in possession of a small rock.

Atkinson, left carrying flag with his face covered, at the demonstration. It saw a number of disturbances when right-wing demonstrators clashed with anti-facists in the seaside town, leading to 50 arrests

Mr Williams was left with injuries to his left arm which required stitches after the attack in January

Atkinson, of Birkenhead, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday and jailed for seven years.

Prosecutor Paul Valder had told the court that Mr Williams was a member of the National Union of Journalists and was associated with a group known as United Against Fascism.

He added that since the attack, Mr Williams has not been able to work and continues to suffer pain.

The demonstration earlier this year saw a number of disturbances when right-wing demonstrators clashed with anti-fascists in the seaside town, leading to 50 arrests.

Atkinson, of Birkenhead, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday and jailed for seven years

The far right march had began in Dover's market square but quickly turned into a confrontation.

Anti-immigration protesters from the East Kent Alliance marched to protest against the arrival of refugees, some chanting 'no more refugees' and waving St George flags.

Riot police and dog handlers managed to stem the violence but several activists in black hooded tops broke through their lines.

Kent Police has now released CCTV pictures of seven men they suspect of being involved in violence during the January riots and are appealing for the public to identify them.

Chief Superintendent Andrea Bishop of Kent Police said: 'My officers are continuing to work tirelessly to identify all those responsible for offences committed both before and during the demonstrations in Dover.

'Peter Atkinson's actions were completely unacceptable and left a man with significant and long-lasting injuries to his arm.

'Kent Police has a statutory duty to facilitate peaceful protest but we will not tolerate anyone who comes to Dover intent on causing trouble.

'I hope the sentence Atkinson has received today sends a clear message to those planning to attend future demonstrations in the town that if you cause trouble and commit a crime, you will be tracked down, arrested and put before the courts.'

Both right and left wing demonstrators are expected to clash again in Dover on Sunday.