Hundreds of anti-racism protesters march through Birmingham

Hundreds gathered after rumours of an anti-immigration protest in Birmingham

Hundreds of people have gathered in Birmingham to join an anti-racism demonstration following rumours protesters were to descend on a migrant and refugee centre in the city.

Shouts of "refugees are welcome here" rang out as placard-waving counter protesters came together in the Jewellery Quarter.

The Refugee and Migrant Centre in Frederick Street was among hundreds of locations across England rumoured to be the site of anti-immigration protests, most of which have not materialised.

It follows days of unrest in towns and cities, including Birmingham where pockets of disorder broke out on Monday.

Messages from campaigners Stand Up To Racism were among banners on show on Wednesday evening, with the crowd walking through the streets to the city centre.

The peaceful protests in Birmingham were echoed across England, including in London and Bristol, as anti-fascists came together to show the strength of opposition to disorder in recent days.

Earlier in the day, shops, restaurants and bars in the Jewellery Quarter closed early amid fears violent scenes could unfold.

Tesco Express was among those boarded up.

On Monday in the city disturbances took place after hundreds attended a demonstration.

People gathered in Bordesley Green following rumours that had spread on social media about a potential far-right protest, which did not take place, police said.

A man has denied possession of an offensive weapon during a gathering and a woman charged with public order offences has pleaded not guilty.

Placards were on show, including some from Stand Up to Racism

People gathered outside Tesco Express, which was boarded up

About 300 people gathered in the area

The group walked into the city centre