No reports of disorder in Bournemouth - police

Two opposing groups of demonstrators gathered outside Bournemouth town hall

Hundreds of people from opposing sides of the immigration debate gathered in a seaside town centre earlier.

Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said the protests in Bournemouth were "peaceful" with "no reports of disorder".

About 200 anti-immigration protesters and approximately 250 people from groups including Stand Up To Racism gathered from about 10:30 BST.

The anti-immigration group held placards saying "stop the boats" and "British lives matter", whilst the opposing group had signs saying "refugees are welcome here" and "no to racism".

Dave Griffiths, who attended the protest with his 14-year-old daughter, said it was important to have a "peaceful exchange of views"

Dave Griffiths, a minister at the Parish of Four Saints, in Winton, Moredown and Charminster, and his daughter Naomi, 14, joined the anti-racism faction of the demonstration.

"Everyone has the right to have their voices heard," he said.

"It's important that we have a peaceful exchange of views."

Carole Jemmett (right) said they were not racist and their concerns should be "listened to"

Sisters Margaret Lawrence, from Branksome, Dorset, and Carole Jemmett, from Buckinghamshire, joined the anti-immigration protest.

Ms Jemmett said she thought it was "important that our concerns are listened to", adding: "It's wrong to say we're racists."

Ms Lawrence said: "We just feel we need to stand up and be counted - we are the silent majority, we're not racist or far right."

Dorset Police promised a "significant" police operation

The anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the town hall, while the anti-racism group gathered at the cenotaph opposite.

Dorset Police said the groups initially planned on marching, but then changed their minds.

Additional temporary powers allowed police officers to stop and search people for weapons and move on groups of individuals causing – or who were likely to cause – harassment, alarm or distress to others.

The force used a drone to tell people to remove face coverings and disguises.

Mr Callaghan said: "I am pleased to update that no criminal offences took place today and I would like to thank those involved for their conduct."

BCP Council leader Millie Earl thanked council staff, Dorset Police and "other partner agencies for the incredible work to keep people safe".

She said she was "conscious" that some people would still be concerned about protest activity, but that the council would "continue to engage" with faith, community and business leaders to provide support.

"We remain immensely proud of the diverse and vibrant communities that help make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole such a special place and we are deeply committed to making sure that BCP remains a sanctuary for all those who call our three towns home," she said.