Anti-immigration march and counter protest take place in Doncaster city centre

An anti-illegal immigration march and counter protest have taken place in Doncaster city centre this lunchtime.

Strong winds from Storm Boelo failed to deter both sides with anti-illegal immigration protesters draped in and waving Union flags and St George Cross flags marching from Regent Square and along Hall Gate and High Street.

Protesters chanted slogans such as “stop the boats,” “send them back” and “deport the lot” as they marched, with some motorists beeping their horns in support.

Meanwhile, protesters from Doncaster Stand Up To Racism gathered in Sir Nigel Gresley Sqaure for a counter protest against the demo, the second such gathering in Doncaster city centre in recent months.

Ahead of the protest, a Doncaster SUTR spokesperson said: “Doncaster is a multi cultural, multi faith city. We reject the politics of hate and stand shoulder to shoulder as one community whatever our skin colour, religion or backgrounds.”

Police patrolled the anti-immigration march as it passed through the city centre.

Ahead of the demonstration, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “As with all protests, our role at any planned events will be to balance the rights of those who wish to protest, together with those who may be impacted by it.

“While the majority of protests are peaceful, our officers will aim, where possible, to prevent any potential crime and disorder.

The demonstrations cameafter a similar protest in August when anti-illegal immigration protesters and counter stop racism demonstrators held marches and protests in the city centre.

The march saw both sides exchange angry words and some anti-illegal immigration protesters clashed with Vicar of Doncaster, the Rev Richard Frith inside Doncaster Minster, with police leading the clergyman away from the scene.

It was not clear who was behind today’sdemonstration but flyers circulated online feature the slogans: “Stand up, speak out, stop the invasion” and “our people, our country first, from our villages to yours” as well as “DNRight Men and Women Unite.”

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Earlier this year, police kept the two sides apart as flag-waving protesters marched through the city centre from Doncaster Gallery, Library and Museum to Doncaster Minster - with Doncaster Stand Up To Racism organising a counter protest at Clock Corner outside the Frenchgate centre.

Demonstrators draped in Union flags and England flags shouted slogans including “stop the boats, “save our kids” and “send them back” as they marched along Hall Gate and High Street.

When the march met the Doncaster Stand Up To Racism protest at Clock Corner, police kept the two sides apart as both groups briefly exchanged words before police directed the Unite The Right protest towards Doncaster Minster.