Fights break out at Britain First protest in Manchester city centre

Officers have been given extra powers

Britain First supporters mat at noon outside Piccadilly station, before the “march for remigration and mass deportations”.

In response, a number of counter-protests are also being held by anti-racism groups.

It's been reported by the Manchester Evening News, that a number of fights have broken out in the city between demonstrators.

One such fight is reported to have taken place in Piccadilly Gardens, and another on Bloom Street.

There's also been clashes between protesters and police.

A police dispersal order remains in place until 8pm this evening.

The 10-hour dispersal order on the city centre means officers have extra powers to remove people from the area during the demonstrations.

It aims to “prevent anti-social behaviour, crime, harassment, alarm, or distress”, GPM said.

Manchester council leader Bev Craig, on Thursday said that Britain First were not welcome in Manchester and urged people to come together to “send a clear message that hate has no place in our city”.

The protest comes during an ongoing travel disruption across Manchester due to a “major overhaul” project at Manchester Piccadilly station, as the station is effectively closed until Sunday.

The march also comes at a politically charged time in Greater Manchester, just days before voters head to the polls in a closely watched by-election in Gorton and Denton.

In the by-election, immigration has become one of the most contested issues.