LEE THOMAS Far-right and anti-racism protesters clashed in Dover

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Far-right demonstrators and anti-racism protesters clashed in Dover with bricks, hammers, glass and other projectiles being thrown between the two opposing sides.



Police were caught in the crossfire as hundreds of people gathered in the British port town for the march. The Kent force said three men were arrested and seized weapons including a lock-knife and a knuckle duster from the demonstration and a clash nearby.



One person suffered a broken arm and five others suffered minor injuries.



Anti-immigration protesters had taken to the streets in opposition to the arrival of refugees from Calais to Dover. Six others were arrested during a clash, linked to the protest, at a service station near Maidstone. The services by Junction 8 on the M20 were closed after several coaches believed to be on their way to the Calais refugee demo were damaged.



Coaches were smashed up and an elderly coach driver was left injured in the incident.

More than 20 weapons were seized in total at Dover and the M20 services, including a lock-knife, knuckle duster, poles adapted to cause harm, pieces of wood, glass, hammers and bricks Kent Police

A 41-year-old man from Gillingham was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and a 32-year-old man from Bristol in Gloucestershire was arrested on on suspicion of breaching the peace. A 28-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. Kent Police said: "More than 20 weapons were seized in total at Dover and the M20 services, including a lock-knife, knuckle duster, poles adapted to cause harm, pieces of wood, glass, hammers and bricks." There was a heavy police presence in the seaside town as flag-waving demonstrators believed to be from the National Front and the right-wing South East Alliance marched to protest against the arrival of immigrants. Left wing activists from the Kent Anti-Racism Network organised a counter-demonstration, to which international development international development secretary Diane Abbott gave a speech before the march, and bricks and smoke bombs were thrown amid violent scenes as officers in riot gear and dog handlers struggled to keep order.

LEE THOMAS Protesters had gathered to demonstrate against the Calais crisis in Dover

PA Violent clashes took place at the protests in Dover

At one point officers were pushed back by left-wing activists in black hooded tops and with covered faces who broke through their lines. One person suffered a broken arm during the protests and five others were injured, though not seriously, Kent Police said. Another man reportedly had a brick thrown at his face. A female reporter for LBC who was covering the protest said one far-right demonstrator threatened her, telling her she should be raped and that she should not be able to have children. Some of those demonstrating were pictured fighting, and a number of people had blood smeared across their faces. The march began at Dover Priory railway station at around 1pm before proceeding along Folkestone Road to York Street.



It continued along Townwall Street to the Eastern Docks where a static protest was held.

Extra officers were on duty in the town and police revealed they would be using stop and search powers throughout the day. Under Section 60 and 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, police can stop and search people for offensive weapons and dangerous instruments. Police can also remove coverings rom people’s faces where they believe they are being used to disguise a person’s identity.

PA Protestors marched through the streets of Dover

PA Protestors broke through police lines

During speeches this afternoon, Martin Corner, from the North West infidels, said he and other protestors wanted to "send a clear message that we do not want these refugees coming to our land." He said: "These lands belong to the white, indigenous British" and told MP Diane Abbott - who has openly spoken against anti-immigration groups and was at the protests today - to "pack your bags and go back to where you're from."



He urged politicians to "close the borders, stop the invasion and start repatriation" and not let "barbaric animals onto our streets." He added: "David Cameron and the Tories prefer to let more and more of these rapists, paedophiles and murderers into our lands," adding: "We've got enough in Westminster."









Dover anti-immigration rally turns violent Sat, January 30, 2016 Far-right protesters and anti-fascists clash at violent Dover demonstrations Play slideshow PA 1 of 13 Anti-fascist protesters break through police lines as they clash with right wing protestors

PA Police used stop and search powers during the demonstration

PA Many protestors covered their faces during the demonstration