West Midlands Police had to warn residents of potential traffic disruption in Birmingham, as rival protesters rally in the Birmingham city centre.

About 200 people supporting far-right group Britain First gathered from about 12:00pm and were kept apart by police from a further 100 counter protesters.

West Midlands Police said there was a planned operation to cover the demonstrations.

“We have a long history of upholding the right to protest, while balancing it with the rights of others, to keep the public safe and prevent crime and disorder,” the force said in a statement.”

A live stream by the far-right group on Twitter showed a crowd standing outside Birmingham New Street Station holding British and English flags.

After a claxon sounded, the crowd was seen to walk through the city, letting off red and white smoke flares and chanting the party’s name, as well as that of Tommy Robinson, who founded the English Defence League.

Tommy Robinson who is currently incarcerated reposted a video of the scene; however his team likely did that.

The group marched to the council house steps, kept apart from the rival protesters.

The counter-protest was organised by Stand Up to Racism Birmingham.

A statement by the organisation said: “Birmingham belongs to all of us.
We will not allow hate to march unchecked through our streets.”

It was signed by dozens of people and organisations, including Labour MP Zarah Sultana.

Britain First is led by Paul Golding who is a convicted terrorist & has admitted to assaulting to women in a secret recording.