TEMPERS FLARE ON DAY OF PROTEST

POLICE made four arrests as massed lines of officers kept rival far right and anti-racist protesters apart on a day of tension in Birmingham city centre yesterday.

- JANE HAYNES, BEN PERRIN, AND HARRY LEACH

All those detained were part of a large counter-demonstration in Victoria Square in response to a Britain First rally near New Street Station.

Police ranks were repeatedly tested as pockets of youths confronted officers - and tempers frayed again when Britain First supporters marched nearby waving England flags and chanting ‘Engerland’.

Police were also called into action after the Britain First protest ended, when some of its followers tried to gain access to Victoria Square. Nearby drinkers were ushered inside bars for their own protection.

‘Those arrested were a woman aged 27, on suspicion of assaulting police, a woman aged 28, on suspicion of assaulting police, a woman aged 42, on suspicion of assaulting police and criminal damage, and a man aged 28, on suspicion of obstructing police.

West Midlands Police said it kept the groups apart to prevent trouble but counter-protesters who were ‘kettled’ in the square had attempted to break through.

Some people ended up on the floor and had to be pulled to safety by officers amid chaotic scenes. While police dragged people off to waiting vans, young people - many wearing masks - pushed towards the police line.