THERE was a stand-off on Weymouth seafront as anti-immigrant protesters clashed with anti-racism campaigners.

Police were out in force in a bid to keep the two groups separated and largely succeeded – although there were tense moments as the anti-immigrant demonstrators broke through police lines so they could march along the promenade.

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Some were seen to break off from the group and run along the beach.

Police had been aiming to try and keep the two groups of protesters separate - and there were scores of officers on hand to form a ‘wall’ between them.

(Image: Newsquest) Further along the prom, near the King’s Statue, there was a stand-off and bottles were thrown at one point at members of Stand Up to Racism who were gathered near the main bus stops.

It is understood a handful of arrests were made.

Despite the clashes there was no bouts of serious violent disorder and rioting which have been seen in other parts of the country.

(Image: Newsquest) The ‘enough is enough’ protest – which comes after a week of unrest around the country and after the Southport stabbings – had been promoted by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

(Image: Newsquest)

While some people attending said they were concerned locals who were against the asylum seeker barge at Portland and disturbed by events in Southport, there was obscene chanting including shouting of Islamophobic slurs from some of the protesters.

It is believed some had travelled to Weymouth from out of the area.

Stand Up to Racism said there were some far right activists at the demo.

While the main protest went on for about three hours - with the majority of people then dispersing - a small hardcore group of young anti-immigrant protesters remained in the King’s Statue area after 8pm, some swearing at the police.

Police were seen to then leave the area but then returned when there were fears disorder would break out. Officers then moved to Westham Road and sealed off the area in order to contain the group after reports of a fight.

(Image: Newsquest) As the Echo went to press last night, the situation had been contained and with no fears of further trouble for the time-being police were starting to move off.

Dorset Police had warned ahead of the event they would deal ‘robustly’ with troublemakers.

There were dozens of riot police, community officers, and dog handlers - and scores of police vehicles.

Anti-immigrant protesters had first gathered near the Pier Bandstand at 5pm. Despite police trying to keep them back, the demonstrators started marching towards the King’s Statue.

One woman said: “We don’t want immigrants here, we don’t want the Bibby (Stockholm). We didn’t get a say at all in it (the barge). I’m not far right, I’m not racist - but I want a system where immigrants are vetted.”

Meanwhile, Heather from the Portland Global Friendship Group, said: “I think it’s really important to oppose this sort of xenophobia and racism that is sweeping the nation.

(Image: Newsquest) “What has happened in Southport is heart-breaking - and that should deserve our unity, not division, and should not be co-opted by far-right agendas.

“We have been really lucky on Portland with the asylum seekers we support who have been a credit to our community.”

And Richard Hatfield from Stand Up to Racism said: "I am glad to see there has been a good turnout from people to stand against what appears to be far-right elements."