Nottingham protesters

Crowds gather in Nottingham as protesters campaign in support of veterans and children

Hundreds of protesters arrived in Nottingham to campaign for greater support for armed forces veterans and children.

Flares were set off in Clumber Street while Nottinghamshire Police stopped a potential flashpoint between two groups of protesters near Old Market Square.

The main event, described as a “mass takeover of Nottingham” with the intention of bringing Nottingham “to a standstill” was attended by mostly veterans and suspected far-right supporters.

A separate protest, with campaigners carrying Black Lives Matters and Anti-Fascist banners, was held yards away in the square.

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The two groups were kept safely apart by metal fencing on the junction of Queen Street and King Street.

Speaking ahead of the events, Councillor David Mellen, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Rebecca Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities, issued a warning against those with discriminatory views.

It said: “There are concerns that people with far-right views may decide to become involved in the protests.

“Racism is not welcome in Nottingham and we would encourage anyone planning to travel here with such views not to come to our city.”

Hundreds of protesters arrived in Nottingham from all over the country

Videos shared on Twitter showed several hundreds of protesters marching from London Road to the Brian Clough statue near Market Square.

Some attendees of the main protest, supporting veterans and children, were pictured in a live stream on YouTube carrying items displaying messages associated with the far-right.

There is no indication of any violence between the two groups.

One protester was pictured with a flag linked to the Nazis

Anca Ionescu, a 26-year-old account manager, attended the Black Lives Matter march and said: “A lot of bystanders were affected by the aggressive behaviour, including families with children who were just out shopping.

She added: “It was made very clear that racism will not be tolerated in Nottingham, however they still came to cause trouble under the pretence of ‘free speech’.

“Bystanders and local business were affected, as well as all the people standing for equality and human rights.”

The protesters were expected to remain near to the Brian Clough statue, but Nottinghamshire Police were forced to cordon off sections of Long Row when attendees moved on towards the Market Square.

Comments on social media suggested the attendees were trying to approach the second protest, although the Police swiftly denied any opportunities for potential unrest.

It is unknown whether any arrests were made.

By Matt Lee

Image: Chris Tregenza

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