In pictures: Anti-racism protesters turn out

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Anti-racist demonstrations took place across England on Wednesday in response to reports of plans for new anti-immigrant demonstrations in various parts of the country.

Crowds gathered in towns and cities for largely peaceful protests, while thousands of police officers were deployed on streets across England.

Here is a selection of news images taken through the day.

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Thousands of anti-racist protesters gathered in Walthamstow, north-east London, on a street outside an immigration centre.

Image source, PA Media
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Demonstrators played drums and shouted through megaphones in Walthamstow.

Image source, PA Media
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In Brentford, west London, a woman held up a sign denouncing hatred in society.

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Parts of England had boarded up windows in preparation for more unrest - including this Samaritans charity shop in Southend.

Image source, PA Media
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Nine-year-old Hassan Boston Khan tried on a police officer's helmet after giving them water ahead of an anti-immigration protest in Newcastle.

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A protester wearing an England flag turned out in Finchley, north London.

Image source, EPA
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A sign tied to a pole in North Finchley called for "good vibes only".

Image source, Getty Images
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Two people embraced in Oxford outside the Asylum Welcome immigration support service office.

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One man in Liverpool shook hands with a protester and received a cheer from a crowd after gesturing to them with both their hands in the air.

Image source, PA Media
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In Bristol small groups of young men, with their faces covered, were spotted heading towards the city centre, but there appeared to have been little trouble.

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In Hampshire a group of up to 200 anti-immigration protesters blocked a major road in Portsmouth. They chanted “save our kids”.

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In Chatham scenes boiled over at one point after Union Jacks were waved and two people were arrested as scuffles broke out with Kent Police

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