A UNION boss was left bloodied after speaking at a counter-protest to a rally in support of jailed far-right leader Tommy Robinson.

Steve Hedley, senior assistant general secretary of the RMT, was allegedly attacked by supporters of Robinson, according to anti-fascism campaigners Hope Not Hate - although the perpetrators could not be immediately verified independently.

18 Steve Hedley, RMT Union boss, was injured in the clashes earlier today Credit: graham mitchell

Witnesses said a mob ambushed two men at the Westminster Arms pub in central London on Saturday afternoon in a targeted attack.

"They (the attackers) knew what they were doing," one witness, who asked not to be named, said.

Smashed glass was strewn across the pavement outside the establishment on Storey's Gate, and pictures showed Mr Hedley with a bandaged head and bloodied face.

Scotland Yard feared violence ahead of the rally in support of 35-year-old Robinson, who was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court after filming people involved in a criminal trial and broadcasting the footage on social media.

18 Mr Hedley is pictured with a bandaged head and bloodied face Credit: HOPE not hate/Twitter

18 Police officers outside the cordoned-off pub The Westminster Arms, in London, where Steve Hedley was allegedly assaulted this afternoon Credit: Press Association

18 Witnesses claimed it had been a 'targeted attack' Credit: Press Association

18 A broken glass is pictured at the scene Credit: Press Association

The Metropolitan Police could not immediately comment on Mr Hedley's attack.

The force said a total of 12 people had been arrested at the demonstrations.

One man was seen clutching a bat at the protests, and police were seen holding others back from the scuffles earlier today.

Photographs of the disturbances came as thousands joined a march in support of the jailed activist today in central London.

18 Supporters of EDL founder Tommy Robinson block a bus at Trafalgar Square Credit: London News Pictures

18 A bus driver looks on as the vehicle is blocked by protesters at Trafalgar Square earlier today Credit: London News Pictures

Tommy Robinson protestors block buses at demonstration in London

18 One man appears to fight back against counter-demonstrators at today's rally in London Credit: Reuters

Demonstrators chanted his name and "we want Tommy out" as others delivered speeches demanding he be freed.

But anti-fascist protesters were quick to confront them, many of them armed with sticks and wearing balaclavas.

Onlookers at the scene said the scuffles were quickly brought back under control by police, who had a heavy presence for today's demos.

Reports suggested that up to 3,000 Tommy supporters marched on Whitehall today.

18 One man was seen swinging a bat around as another tried to hold him back just outside the Houses of Parliament Credit: Reuters

Donald Trump fans join forces with 'Free Tommy' supporters

18 Members of the Met Police were seen having to hold some of the demonstrators back Credit: Reuters

One Free Tommy Robinson protester told The Sun Online the protest was almost entirely peaceful.

John Searle, 60, of West Drayton, Middlesex, said "About 1,000 people were assembled, chanting but not in a unruly or racist manner.

"The atmosphere was friendly and very relaxed, by police officers and protesters."

He added: "There was no violence aggression, or racist remarks.

"There was flags of every nation being waved and the police officers were talking to protesters and even laughing.

"Out of all the thousands of protesters, 12 people acted like complete idiots and injured five police officers."

18 Activists covering up their faces expressed their frustrations with police Credit: Reuters

18 Thousands came out to attend both protests in central London today Credit: PA:Press Association

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, though he also uses other aliases, is a founder of the English Defence League, which has organised violent demonstrations against Islamic immigrants in the UK in the past decade.

More recently, Robinson has branded himself a journalist and campaigner against Islamic extremism, a move that won him contacts with American anti-Muslim activists.

Some of the pro-Tommy supporters joined with a small procession of Donald Trump backers, who had marched from the US Embassy in Battersea to show their appreciation for the US President.

Police had already been forced to put restrictions in both demonstrations amid fears of violence.

A separate demo last month saw protesters clash with police then too.

18 Tommy Robinson was jailed for broadcasting outside a court in a live trial Credit: PA:Press Association

Protesters gather at Whitehall against the 'Free Tommy Robinson' rally taking place

CONTEMPT DEFINED: What is contempt of court and why can you be jailed for it? Tommy Robinson was jailed for contempt of court after publishing material that could prejudice an ongoing trial. In the UK, a person can be found in contempt of court if they wilfully defy a court order. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the main types of the offence can be physically interfering in a trial, threatening witnesses or obstructing justice. Showing disrespect to a judge can also be contempt of the court. If someone is in contempt of the Magistrates' Court, a person can be imprisoned for one month or face a fine of up to £2,500. But for those in contempt of a crown court, they can be jailed for up to two years or face a fine. In the UK, media can only report the facts of a case. In the US, contempt of court is generally not considered to be a criminal offence. Due to the First Amendment, the media outlet cannot be found in contempt of court.

Demonstrators take the streets to call for the release of Tommy Robinson in Parliament Square

18 Anti-fascist campaigners wave flares and coloured smoke bombs in the air outside Parliament Credit: Rex Features

18 Large banners were marched through the crowds Credit: Rex Features

18 Police were prepared for the marches and intervened to stop the violent scuffles Credit: Rex Features

18 Restrictions were in place for several marches taking place in central London today Credit: Rex Features

18 Thousands came out for a march in support of the jailed activist, waving flags and banners Credit: Reuters

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Meanwhile one of Donald Trump's ambassadors has called on the UK to treat jailed Tommy "sympathetically".

It is alleged that Sam Brownback, the United States Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, complained to the British ambassador in Washington DC in a June meeting with Sir Kim Darroch, Britain’s Ambassador to the US.

The claims were made by a British official and two sources close to the organisers of the pro-Robinson demonstration that took place today.

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