According to GMP, the number of protesters and counter-protesters at the march in Manchester totalled around 1,000 on Saturday.

The force said: “Several demonstrations took place peacefully across central Manchester, with the number of attendees fewer than expected but still around 1,000 protestors and counter protestors in total.”

They added “The vast majority of both sides caused no issues for our officers. Force was required when counter-protesters had tried to break police lines and attempted to throw punches.

“PAVA spray was deployed as a tactic instead of using further additional force.

“A small breakaway group of protesters had made their way down the side of the Town Hall.

“Officers were later met with resistance as they moved them away from the nearby counter group and some force was required.”