Around 50 anti-immigration protesters assembled on County Road in Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, prompting a significant police response including mounted officers in riot gear. The group gathered outside the Royal Oak pub, which remained closed with locked doors throughout the demonstration.
Protest Details and March
The far-right protesters, comprising both middle-aged men and younger individuals wearing black baseball caps and sportswear, began arriving in small numbers during the morning. At approximately 1pm, they set off from the Royal Oak, marching down County Road toward Liverpool city centre. The marchers chanted slogans, including 'left-wing scum off our streets' directed at a small group of counter-protesters across the road.
One demonstrator unfurled a St George's Flag bearing the words 'Send them back' written in black marker. The group appeared intent on reaching St George's Hall in the city centre, surrounded by police throughout their route.
Community Reaction
Three counter-protesters stood opposite the marchers. Among them was retired social worker Silé Macraghnaill, 72, who told the Echo that the local community is 'fed up' with such scenes. Despite the protest, children continued playing on nearby streets and shoppers went about their business on County Road, seemingly paying little attention to the demonstration.
Local Context
Spellow Lane Library, which was set on fire during a riot on County Road in the summer of 2024, remained shuttered, as did the Thomas Frost Wetherspoon pub. The area has seen previous unrest, with the 2024 riot leaving a lasting impact on the community.
