There were ugly scenes this afternoon as far right protesters held a rally in York city centre.
Anne Marie Waters, the anti-Muslim leader of the For Britain party, attempted to make a speech in front of a group of her supporters in St Helen’s Square.
She was shouted down by a large group from York Stand Up To Racism, chanting ‘Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here’.
They were face to face, separated by crash barriers put up by police.
Thanks to the chanting by the York anti racism rally, the far right speakers struggled to be heard.
There was a large police presence around St Helen’s Square.
Several of the far right protesters made obscene gestures towards the counter demonstration.
On more than one occasion the police stepped in to remonstrate with the For Britain supporters.
Meanwhile York shoppers thronged the surrounding streets.
The York Stand Up To Racism rally arrived early and were in position with placards declaring ‘All refugees welcome’.
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