Eight arrested during anti-immigration march in Liverpool

Eight people have been arrested during an anti-immigration march in Liverpool which also saw counter-protest groups gather.

The vast majority of shops, cafes, pubs and other businesses along County Road in Walton shuttered their doors for the day fearing a repeat of the violence in the area that erupted in 2024 following the Southport attack.

However, the march, surrounded by a heavy police presence, proceeded without major disorder, Merseyside Police said.

The force said the arrests had been for public order offences, possession of cannabis, breach of the peace and assaulting a police officer.

The march was arranged mainly via social media, with digital posters calling for "no more illegals" and "mass deportation".

At times the group of about 200 protesters chanted "send them back" and used expletives while calling for people to be deported.

Officers had separated a group, which gathered around the Royal Oak pub on County Road, from some counter-protesters holding placards with slogans including "hands off our neighbours" and "stop the far right".

Under police escort, the protesters headed towards the flyover leading to Queens Drive before being diverted through a church yard into residential streets around Goodison Park stadium.

The march had attracted criticism from councillors for taking place in an area which suffered severe damage during the 2024 riots.

In an open letter, Labour council leader Liam Robinson said: "Many local people have been in touch with me to say they do not want this march to take place.

"It is a painful reminder of one of the darkest moments in that area's history.

"I share their view, but local authorities do not have the power to prevent such marches from taking place."

Only the Home Office could take the decision to stop a protest, he said.

Liverpool Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman said people "absolutely have the right" to protest peacefully but "they do not have the right to intimidate a community that is still bearing the scars of disorder".

Police used temporary additional powers to disperse people from the area, conduct searches and demand the removal of facial coverings.

Supt Phil Mullally said: "The majority of these arrests were made prior to the procession or after groups dispersed, with individuals identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour in nearby locations.