Anti-racism protesters hold counter rally at hotel

Sussex Police deployed additional resources after it became aware of a potential event in the town on Friday evening

Hundreds of counter-protesters gathered outside a Holiday Inn in West Sussex after an anti-immigration demonstration was planned there.

Four anti-immigration protesters, one draped in the Union flag, were countered by "several hundred" anti-racism campaigners at the site in Crawley, BBC reporter Peter Whittlesea said. At least one person was arrested, police said.

Sussex Police said it was aware of a potential event in the town on Friday evening and additional and specialist police resources had been mobilised.

Anti-racism protesters travelled to Crawley by train from Brighton for the gathering organised by Brighton & Hove Stand Up to Racism after information circulated about an anti-immigration event at the hotel.

A handful of anti-immigration protesters were met by police numbers at the Holiday Inn

Anti-immigration events have have taken place at other Holiday Inn hotels in England amid claims asylum seekers were staying there.

Four anti-immigration protesters were present, one draped in a Union flag

In a statement, the IHG hotel company said: "This is a troubling and challenging situation, and we hope for calm to be restored as soon as possible.

"The safety and security of our colleagues and anyone staying in our hotels is always our priority.

"We continue to work closely with the authorities at a small number of properties."

Police said communities had shown powerful displays of unity and support

Before Friday's protests, Sussex Police's Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said: "Across the country we have seen people trying to divide our communities met by powerful displays of unity and support.

“I will reiterate the warning once again to anyone planning, or considering taking part in, disorder. It will not be tolerated."

Before Wednesday's protests, Crawley Borough Council's leaders issued a statement of "solidarity".

Cllrs Michael Jones and Duncan Crow said: "We are a proudly diverse town, where our friends and neighbours come from many different backgrounds, but all come together to make Crawley their home.

"As a council and a town, we stand together against any form of racism, discrimination and abuse."

About 2,000 anti-racist campaigners turned out on to the streets of Brighton on Wednesday night.