Two arrests during rival immigration protests

Anti-racism campaigners, to the right of the picture, facing anti-immigration protesters, to the left of the picture, with police surrounding them close to the Cenotaph
Image caption,

Anti-racism campaigners outnumbered anti-immigration protesters in Bournemouth

  • Published

Two people were arrested following rival protests held by anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters in Bournemouth.

About 150 protesters from three groups gathered at the Cenotaph, close to the town's Civic Centre, around midday on Sunday.

Of those, about 75 were from Stand Up to Racism, another 20 were from the anti-fascism Antifa group and about 50 were from the anti-immigration Taking Back Our Country group.

Dorset Police said two people were arrested for public order offences.

Another two people were issued with dispersal orders to leave the protest.

Dorset Police said anyone found to be involved in reported violence or disorder "can expect to be brought to justice".

About 20 members of the Antifa group, standing on a grassed area, wearing hoods to cover their heads and many wearing facemasks. To the right of them, there is a sign for the Bournemouth Civic Centre and then, to the right of that, two police officers are either sat or stood looking in another direction
Image caption,

Members of the anti-fascism Antifa group wearing face masks attended the protest

A police spokesperson said: "Dorset Police has dedicated officers for this event, who will remain for the duration of the protests and ensure people can exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing disruption to residents and businesses."

Get in touch

Do you have a story BBC Dorset should cover?

Related topics