Around 200 neo-Nazis and racists rioted in Dover at an anti-immigration protest yesterday. Clashes with anti-fascists early in the day saw people on both sides hospitalised.

The protest was organised by the National Front (NF) and English Defence League (EDL) splinter group South East Alliance and supported by nearly every other group to have split from the EDL.

A counter-protest was organised by the Anti-Fascist Network (AFN) and supported by anti-fascists from across the country. The day began with groups of fascists gathering in pubs around Dover.

The AFN protest began at midday, a crowd of around 150 set off behind a banner calling for an open border and marched to the Castle Inn pub where the far-right protest was due to start.

Kent NF organiser Mark Freeman was chased into the pub which was quickly surrounded by anti-fascists. While the police were trying to hold anti-fascists back more far-right activists arrived.

The police rapidly put a cordon up along Dolphin Lane to keep the two groups apart. Smoke bombs were set off and missiles were exchanged including bricks, flares and bangers.



Dover local holding anti-fascist sign during disorder

Attempting to evade the police lines a large group of fascists came down Russell Street towards the anti-fascists but were successfully repelled before a police line was formed to separate the groups.



Anti-fascists with flags holding the line

As the police gained control over the situation on Dolphin Lane the far-right numbers on Russell Street swelled and there were several confrontations which saw fascists pick up severe injuries.

Unable to force anti-fascists back, the far-right resorted to launching missiles, such as masonry and bottles into the anti-fascist crowd. These were returned and caused injuries on both sides.



Injured fascist holding a captured red flag

Eventually police reinforcements arrived and they forced the two sides apart and contained the anti-fascist crowd. Anti-fascists broke out of the containment and blocked the route of the fascist march.



Anti-fascists breaking through a police cordon

The initial confrontations outside the pub caused the police to slightly divert and delay the start of the fascist march. When the march started police again contained the anti-fascist group.

As the fascist mob approached the junction which anti-fascists were on they repeatedly broke through police lines attempting to attack anti-fascists while brandishing Combat 18 and Nazi flags.



Fascists breaking through police lines

Completely surrounded by police the anti-fascist crowd, which was reduced in number, was a sitting target for the fascists who had been carrying missiles with them from the pub car park.

As the fascists were moved past the anti-fascists they launched missile including stones, masonry, padlocks and hub caps into the crowd, most of which was returned.

Anti-fascists attempted to break through police lines to follow the fascists but were unsuccessful. While the far-right were holding their rally at the port anti-fascists decided to leave the area.



Richard Edmonds of the NF addressing the fascist rally

Marching back through Dover loudly making the point “refugees are welcome here”, the anti-fascist crowd grew as it returned to Pencester Gardens where it dispersed.

No arrests were made.

On the same day tens of thousands of people took part in a rally in central London in support of refugees.