'Heartwarming' to see anti-racism protest turnout

Hundreds of anti-racism demonstrators turned out peacefully in Peterborough

Hundreds of protesters gathered in a city on Wednesday evening amid calls to unite against racism

It followed posts online that suggested anti-immigration demonstrations could take place outside an immigration service on Lincoln Road, Peterborough.

Counter-protesters said their demonstration ended peacefully and no other groups turned up.

City councillors and residents praised Cambridgeshire Constabulary for its presence in the city, especially in the Millfield area.

The policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, says she is "cautiously welcoming" the scenes last night

Speeches were heard at the demonstration which called for the community to unite and be calm.

Some protesters told the BBC it was "heartwarming" to see the support and they were "proud" it went peacefully.

An immigration service thanked the community for "sticking together and protecting our offices", in a post on Facebook.

A spokesperson from Cambridgeshire Constabulary said there was "no disorder" in Peterborough last night "but a peaceful counter-protest took place".

Some businesses boarded up windows in Peterborough ahead of the anticipated anti-immigration protest

Prior to the demonstration, Stagecoach diverted all buses running though Lincoln Road as a safety measure.

Peterborough soup kitchen, which operates from Wentworth Street car park decided not to open as a precaution and some mosques reduced their opening hours.

There was a police presence ahead of the expected anti-immigration protest in Peterborough