Hundreds take to Sheffield streets as Patriots and SCARF stage rival protests

Rival groups took to the streets of Sheffield as a right-wing march and anti-racism counter-protest were held in the city centre.

The Sheffield Patriots gathered in the city on Saturday for a planned march to Sheffield Station, while Sheffield Communities Against Racism and Fascism (SCARF) organised a counter-protest.

The Patriots' protest was slow to build, with the crowd growing throughout the morning.

At around 1pm, protesters began marching through the Peace Gardens and into the city centre.

South Yorkshire Police had officers deployed from across the region as part of the operation, with officers working to keep the two groups apart. Legal observers and police liaison officers were also present.

As the march progressed, protesters and counter-protesters could be heard chanting at each other, with both sides shouting across police lines.

Children were among those taking part, walking alongside their parents. Some people wore England-themed clothing, or flags on their back.

Large banners displayed messages including "Leave Our Kids Alone", while large flags featuring the face of Andy Burnham were also held above the crowd.

A number of video bloggers associated with the Patriots were also filming throughout the march, moving through the crowds with cameras and recording protesters, police officers and passers-by.

Counter-protesters carried banners reading "Stop the Far Right" and "Refugees Are Not to Blame".

Despite warnings from police that face coverings were not allowed, both sides had a number of protestors with masks on.

The demonstrations attracted crowds of onlookers as they moved through the city centre.

Some people stopped in the street to watch the protests, joining in chants, while others appeared to have become stuck between crowds.

As the groups passed the cinema and cafes on Paternoster Row, some members of the public were kept inside buildings, with police officers positioned outside entrances.

The two groups continued to exchange chants and shouted comments as officers maintained a line between them, as police horses were brought through the crowds.

Several counter-protesters on bicycles were knocked from their bikes as the horses and police officers moved forward.

The march then continued towards Sheffield Station, where the protesters gathered at the planned finishing point.

Some protesters sat down at the station while members of the opposing groups continued to shout at each other.

The scenes followed warnings from South Yorkshire Police ahead of the demonstrations that officers would work to prevent crime and disorder.

The Sheffield Patriots march had been due to begin at noon and head towards Sheffield Station, while SCARF organised a counter-protest.

Ahead of the demonstrations, South Yorkshire Police said officers had been in contact with organisers and had plans in place to maintain public safety.

The force said: "Our role will be to balance the rights of those who wish to protest with those who may be impacted by it.

"We will aim to prevent crime and disorder and where it does occur, proportionately respond to any disorder."

Police also urged anyone concerned about their safety or experiencing threatening behaviour to speak to an officer, call 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.

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