ANGRY protesters clashed with police in ugly scenes today in demonstrations against terror attacks in Manchester.

The intended silent rally descended into chaos, with police officers reportedly shoved to the ground and eight people arrested for public order offences.

11 A man yells during the protests that saw brawls break out Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

11 A yobbish protestor even waved a pig's head, as a taunt to Muslims, while his laughing mates snapped pictures on their mobile phones. Credit: UK News Media

11 Police clashed with protesters in an effort to keep the peace Credit: London News Pictures

11 A man with a mask throws his hands up in the air among the protests Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

The protesters, led by ex-EDL boss Tommy Robinson, carried out the demonstrations in response to the terrorist attack in Manchester last month.

They marched from Piccadilly train station to Piccadilly Gardens, waving giant England flags.

Members of the public were warned to avoid the area as officers confronted the angry protesters.

11 Protesters exchange words in Manchester city centre during the angry demo Credit: London News Pictures

11 One man was left bloodied and battered after the protest escalated Credit: London News Pictures

11 More than 400 police officers were deployed in response to the protest Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare said: "This has been an incredibly challenging day with thousands of people attending Manchester City Centre for the protest.

"I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.

"Our City has been through a lot over the last few weeks and I know there were people opposed to the event taking place.

"We have worked closely with Manchester City Council, our Key Partners and the wider Community to find the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner."

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He added: "In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed over 400 police officers, including support from other forces.

"This meant another busy weekend for our people who have worked considerably long hours in extremely challenging circumstances for no other reason other than to look after our communities.

"There have been 8 arrests for public order offences, which is not uncommon for a demonstration of this size.

"It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Manchester from going about their normal Sunday activities."

11 A 'small minority' of people were criticised for their behaviour during the protests Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

11 Tussles broke out during the Sunday afternoon demonstrations Credit: London News Pictures

11 A protester screams at the camera, with officials criticising those who got out of control Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

11 Police were called into deal with the situation Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke

John Fryer, Transport for Greater Manchester leader, said: "The demonstration in the city has added to an already busy weekend for the transport industry across the region.

"A small minority of those in attendance have shown a complete disregard for the travelling public and by their actions have made it clear that their sole intention was to cause trouble and be as disruptive as possible.

"We've been working extremely closely with the police and operators across the weekend to ensure we had the right plans in place to support festival goers as well as all those coming in and going out of the city for work, retail or leisure purposes, but clearly blocking tram tracks and roads has meant some of these services have been affected."