Clashes between far-right and anti-fascist protesters in Dover

The demonstration came after reported clashes between two groups on the way to the march at service stations on the M20.

Police initially said they are unable to confirm whether the disturbances were linked to the anti-fascism rally being held in Dover this afternoon by Dover Stand Up 2 Racism (DSUR) and the Kent Anti Racism Network (KARN), which The National Front was expected to join.

Violent clashes… Protesters photographed after clash that resulted in damage to coaches at service station near Dover.

Diane Abbott MP (left) makes a speech during a counter demonstration as far-right groups protest against immigration in Dover, Kent.

“The service station staff bolted the doors and through the windows we could see a large group of fascists”, he said.

“They were running at the anti-fascist demonstrators and there was some argy-bargy, things were chucked back and forth”.

Dover has been the scene of an ongoing standoff between anti-fascists and rightwing groups led by a resurgent National Front, according to Duncan Cahill of Hope Not Hate, an anti-racist organisation.

Police were called to a disturbance at the services at junction eight shortly before 11am, where two coaches had swastikas painted on them in blood.

Another coach that left the scene was stopped by officers at junction 11 services at Westenhanger.

At least one man has been arrested in the United Kingdom town of Dover following clashes between the self-proclaimed “patriots” and “infidels” protesting European Union immigration policies – and the “anti-fascist” demonstrators countering them.

Large numbers of activists on both sides have turned out, with a strong police presence keeping the peace.

Bridget Chapman, chairman of Kent Anti Racism Network, told KentOnline: “We’re here today because there’s been a big demonstration called by fascists”.

Kent police had earlier warned Dover residents to expect disruption and delays on local and main roads throughout the day.