Hundreds of police officers were deployed in Newcastle city centre on Saturday during rival demonstrations. Protests were held by both the United to Stop the Far Right group and the Unite the Right group.
Key Details
Demonstrations by both groups took place in Newcastle city centre on Saturday afternoon. The events occurred amid rising tensions over the political approach to immigration across the UK.
Northumbria Police said they were aware of the planned protest activity and would have officers present in the city. The force warned the public that a Section 60 order was in place, allowing enhanced stop and search powers to preserve public safety.
Organisers
The Unite to Stop the Far Right demonstration was organised by Stand up to Racism North East, the Green Party, Majority, trade unions, and the Newcastle Unites group. Their demonstration followed a number of similar events over the past year, including those targeting hotels thought to be housing migrants.
The Unite the Right protest was organised by the Unite the Right UK group. It was described in posters seen online as being "against illegal immigration."
Our live blog on the incident is available for further updates.
