Gangs of rival protesters have clashed on the streets in Melbourne, as about 100 police officers fight to keep them apart.

The opposing groups were made up of anti-Islam and anti-racism activists, with events turning violent on Sunday afternoon.

The United Patriots Front, a run-off from the anti-Islam Reclaim Australia group that was involved in violent protests in Melbourne earlier this year, staged a demonstration outside Richmond Town Hall in Melbourne's inner southeast, according to the AAP.

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Protesters attempt to fight through a strong police presence in Melbourne, as an anti-Islam event clashes with anti-racism activists

The group, which identifies itself as 'Aussie patriots', set out on a march about 1:30pm.

Another group, Campaign Against Racism and Facism, staged a counter-rally at the same time, which led to the ugly scenes and violent clashes.

Nationalist protesters are seen yelling at anti-racism activists during a rally in Melbourne on Sunday

Hundreds of people attempt to push through police, who are patrolling the area surrounding Richmond Town Hall where the rally is being held

Rival activists come face-to-face in ugly scenes in Melbourne between anti-Islam and anti-racism supporters

Police on foot and horseback attempted to keep the rival groups apart, and closed nearby roads in the area.

The anti-Islam group said it was reclaiming Australia from communism and protecting the country from Sharia Law, according to The Age.

No arrests were made during the protests, however police spoke to one man regarding the possession of a knife. He is expected to be charged with weapons offences, according to a Victoria Police spokeswoman.

Prostesters and police clash outside the town hall in Richmond during the opposing events

A United Patriots Front member talks to the crowd during the protest on Sunday afternoon

Police officers try to hold firm as the two groups of protesters surged towards each other

The crowd of counter-protesters chanted 'f*** off fascists' and 'you'll always lose in Melbourne' as they opposed the march.

The rally coincides with an Islamic Council of Victoria community forum.

A Victoria Police spokesman said officers were in place to maintain community safety.

'Victoria Police respects the right of the community to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but will not tolerate those who break the law ' a statement said.

The United Patriots Front, a run-off from the anti-Islam Reclaim Australia group that was involved in violent protests in Melbourne earlier this year, planned the demonstration

The anti-Islam rally is similar to those that took place in a number of cities across Australia earlier this year