Demo and counter-demo protest near migrant hotel

Anti-migration protesters carried signs reading "stop the boats".

Groups of anti-immigration protestors and counter-protestors have gathered outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.

About 120 people on both sides had assembled by 14:00 BST outside the Ibis in Barnwood, Gloucester on Saturday.

Anti-immigration protestors carried Union flags and England flags, while the counter-protesters held signs with messages including "love thy neighbour", and "refugees are welcome here".

Gloucestershire Police said there would be an increased policing presence in the Barnwood area on Saturday.

Speaking to BBC Gloucestershire, Chloe Turner, leader of Stroud District Council, said: "Refugees, asylum seekers are not the problem. We understand that many people feel that this country is not in the place it should be at the moment.

"But refugees didn't cause the cost of living crisis, refugees didn't put all the sewage into our rivers, they didn't bring the NHS to its knees."

She said she understood people's concerns about migrants being housed in their communities, but added: "I hope we can all rise above that and show compassion and understand that these people are fleeing really terrible things."

"We understand that no one becomes a refugee lightly."

Counter-protesters outside the Ibis hotel in Gloucester

Christopher Faulkner, who joined the anti-immigration protest, said he was concerned about "unvetted" migrants being allowed in.

"We are paying the French millions to stop them and they're still not doing anything. In four years I don't think there will be an England left."

When asked what the government should do with migrants instead of placing them in hotels, he replied: "I don't think they should be here in the first place."

"Why are they giving them all these perks? It's really winding the country up."

Councillor Chloe Turner said people need to "show compassion" to refugees

Mr Faulkner added: "And it's the tax payer who's paying for it."

Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson said the force had prepared for the protests.

On Friday he said: "I'd like to reassure people in our communities that we are aware of and are well prepared for the planned protest tomorrow.

"Police liaison teams have spoken with individuals from the groups due to attend and their co-operation has helped us put suitable plans in place.

"However, we would like to stress that any disorder will not be tolerated in our county and we will take immediate action against anyone who breaks the law."