In pictures: hundreds of anti-migrant and anti-racism protestors face off in Portsmouth Guildhall Square

Hundreds of protestors descended on Guildhall Square as anti-migrant groups and Stand Up To Racism held rival protests amid rising tensions.

Groups such as South Coast Patriots called for a peaceful protest today (September 12), in resnse to concerpons surrounding the impact of illegal migrants arriving in the UK.

Stand Up to Racism and other-anti racist groups staged a counter protest, holding placards and banners with phrases such as “refugees welcome” and “RNLI are heroes, no-one is illegal”.

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The protests were sparked by a demonstration in the city on September 6, which occurred following the arrival of 120 migrants in Eastney after they were picked up by the RNLI. In the following days, many members of the RNLI reported receiving online and in-person hate from anti-migrant protestors.

Both groups convened at All Saints Church in Portsmouth but were kept separate by police. The two groups were also separated while they marched through the city, with a large police presence ensuring those involved followed a specified route past the Cascades shopping centre and towards the Guildhall Square. At the square, further supporters from both groups were waiting with flags and banners. Demonstrators then faced each other across the square, shouting and chanting messages of protest.

During the marches, the road between All Saints Church and Marketway was blocked, causing significant disruption for drivers.

Hampshire Police have said: “We will support those who want to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate those whose only aim is to create fear and incite violence.”