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Graffiti criticising Britain First and the far-right has been daubed on several walls in North Belfast.

It is thought the graffiti was painted in response to a rally which is due to be held in the city on Sunday by ultra-nationalist group Britain First.

Several messages, including one reading "Nazi Scum" and another reading "Smash Racism", were painted on walls in the Ardoyne area sometime on Monday night.

Another said: "This is an Antifa (anti-fascist) zone. Fascists not welcome."

Other slogans specifically mentioned Britain First.

It is understood work is currently being undertaken to remove the graffiti.

The "free speech" rally is being organised by independent unionist councillor Jolene Bunting and Britain First in protest at the arrest of the group's deputy leader, Jayda Fransen, last month.

Ms Fransen was arrested in England on charges relating to a speech she made at a "Northern Ireland Against Terrorism" rally in August, which was also organised by Ms Bunting and the group.

She is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on December 14 charged with hate speech offences.

Last week, the deputy leader of Britain first came to international prominence after US President Donald Trump retweeted several posts by Ms Fransen, including unverified footage purporting to show Muslims committing crimes.

At least one of the videos has since been proven to actually show an attack on a Dutch national by another Dutch national, neither of whom were Muslim.

Prime minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn were among those who criticised President Trump's actions.

Last week, Jolene Bunting was banned from Facebook for 30 days after posting messages in support of Ms Fransen.

A "free speech" rally in support of Ms Jansen and calling for charges against her to be dropped is to be held in Belfast on Sunday.

In a Facebook post, "Britain First NI" wrote: "The PSNI and the PPS are prosecuting Britain First NI leader Jayda Fransen for giving an 'anti-Islamic' speech!

"Jayda has been charged and is currently on bail awaiting trial.

"Join us in Belfast to demand free speech for Jayda and for these charges to be dropped!"

Since the announcement of the rally, anti-far right group "Belfast Anti-Fascists" have organised their own counter-protest to take place on the same day as the Britain First event.

In a post on social media, the groups said: "As Anti-Fascists, human beings and concerned citizens of Belfast we cannot allow this to happen nor to go ahead unopposed.

"We cannot allow those that preach hate, racism and bigotry to hold such a rally at this time of year in our city.

"We cannot allow Britain First to gain support in our city nor can we let them set the tone for more race and hate attacks in our city."