The leader of the Dutch branch of anti-Islam movement Pegida was arrested at a demonstration in Ede on Saturday for refusing to take off a child’s hat shaped like a pig he was wearing during the rally.

A few dozen people carrying Dutch flags and placards took part in the gathering in protest at plans to locate several refugee centres capable of accommodating up to 1,400 people in the town.

Edwin Wagensveld, who has connections to far-right and neo-nazi groupings, was released after an hour and described his arrest as ‘childish’.