A huge police presence prevented a riot in Central London

Protesters clashed in central London as far-right supporters were met by anti-fascist campaigners in central London.
A march and rally planned by Britain First and the English Defence League (EDL) was taking place near a counter demonstration from Unite Against Fascism (UAF). Frantic scenes unfolded when ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson arrived and a high number of police officers moved to contain potential trouble.
Police said 12 people had been arrested by 2pm as the protests continued through the capital.
Crowds had gathered in Trafalgar Square from around midday and must obey conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police which include following a set route.
UAF protesters, who appeared to vastly outnumber the far-right, chanted “EDL go to hell” and hundreds of protesters spilled onto the surrounding roads.
Many of those taking part wore masks which covered their faces.
Scotland Yard said on Friday that the information and intelligence available to the Met meant that they felt it necessary to impose the conditions to prevent the demonstrations from resulting in “serious disorder, serious damage to property, serious disruption to the life of the community, and to prevent the intimidation of local people trying to go about their business”. Chief Superintendent Catherine Roper said: “The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption.
“Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term.
“What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested.
“If you want to protest on Saturday, we ask that you do so peacefully, no matter what your view.
We will adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder, or is in breach of these conditions.
The right-wing groups had organised separate demonstrations that finished on the Victoria Embankment, close to Westminster Bridge, where a terror attack 10 days ago killed four people and injured 50.
A similar number of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) demonstrators convened a short distance away chanting “Racist scum”, but were kept at bay by several lines of police.
During the march itself, some UAF supporters got close to the Britain First marchers, among them Barry Kader, 23, from Bristol, who said:
“Fascism needs to be challenged at street level.These marches can encourage people, it can help with their public support.”
Paul Golding, the leader of Britain First, who was released from prison in January for breaching a high court ban by entering a mosque,addressed supporters waving some of the 400 Union Jack flags made by his mother on Friday night.
Earlier, as the marchers moved from Charing Cross station, Golding’s mother Chris had said of the flags: “They really lift the march, they look lovely.”
Following a a recital of the Lord’s prayer, Golding warned his audience about east London’s Brick Lane and its apparent “mobs”, telling supporters he was also finding it impossible to eat tikka masala now because of the preponderance of halal meat.
Golding added: “We are the face of the future.”
Yet the turnout must have been a disappointment.
Britain First has 1.6mn Facebook followers and more than 2,700 had expressed an interest in going to the march.
Among those that did turn up was John Lillywhite, 78, who was on his debut demonstration and had turned up because he felt the the government didn’t understand the “threat”.Despite an instruction from Golding not to talk to the media, Britain First organiser Angela Holbrooks, from Timperley, near Altrincham,
Greater Manchester, said: “We need to keep our streets safe for our women and children.
If anyone says anything they’re attacked. But they don’t want to integrate.”
Retired firefighter Steve Green, 52, from Gravesend, Kent, said he attended the march because he was scared.”Politicians are doing nothing to protect us.They don’t want to mix.My daughter will be forced to wear a burqa at this rate.”
At the UAF counter-rally, which included representatives of trade unions, and faith and community groups, speakers praised the unity shown by Londoners following the Westminster attack and condemned attempts to use the attack to stir hatred and division.
Weyman Bennett, UAF joint secretary, said: “While we recognise that this despicable attempt to use the outrage of the Westminster attack to whip up hate fell flat, this should not be cause for complacency.
These groups remain intent on stirring racial and religious hatred and must be opposed wherever they rear their head.
“The murder of Jo Cox, the shocking rise in hate crime, and the rise of the far right in Europe show that it is critical we unite against fascism, racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism at this time.”