Hundreds gather for rival immigration protests
A pro immigration protest began at midday in Bournemouth
- Published
Two groups of protesters have gathered in a Dorset town on Saturday to voice opposing views on immigration.
About 300 people were protesting in Meyrick Road, Bournemouth, which was shut to the public under section 14 of the Public Order Act 1996, external.
Riot police were separating the two groups and officers from Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex police forces were drafted in to help.
Dorset Police said the protests were peaceful and no arrests had been made.
A large police presence is in place as protests take place in Bournemouth
Pro-immigration protestors gathered just before midday while the anti-immigration protest started at 13:00 BST.
BBC reporter Sophie Cridland said there were about 200 anti-immigration protesters chanting "stop the boats and send them home" while waving Union Jack and England flags.
There were just over 100 pro-immigration protesters chanting "refugees are welcome here" and holding signs which read "migrants make our NHS", she added.
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