Two arrested after protesters gather in Chatham

Police were at the scene in Chatham

Two people have been arrested after groups of anti-immigration and counter-protesters gathered in Chatham.

Anti-racism protesters attending held placards supporting refugees and chanting, in Maidstone Road.

Kent Police said they were later approached by "a very small number of individuals with opposing views".

The force said officers were in attendance to prevent any crime or disorder and arrested a total of five people over the course of the evening.

A police presence is at the scene

Kent Police had originally said five arrests were made following the Chatham protests but has since revised the figure.

On Thursday, it said two people were arrested at the event on suspicion of public order offences after one was alleged to have shouted racial abuse, and another made homophobic comments to a police officer.

Separately, a man was arrested at a small anti-immigration rally in Saxton Street, Dover, for common assault and causing criminal damage to a mobile phone.

The force said it had extra patrols in Canterbury, Chatham, Gillingham and Dover in case of unrest on Wednesday night.

The force said it had additional powers to deal with anyone suspected of being involved in crime or disorder and anyone who was asked to leave must do so, or risk being arrested.

About 25 counter-protesters were at the demo and a smaller number of people with opposing views.

It is understood that many in the area appeared to be general members of the public who were watching events.

Scenes boiled over at one point after union jacks were waved and two arrests were made after scuffles broke out with the police.

The two sets of protesters were kept on either side of the road by officers.