Croydon Protest Sees Far-Right Demonstrators Outnumbered By Anti-Fascist Protesters

Not exactly a great turnout, eh lads?

A rally by far-right protestors has been vastly outnumbered by an anti-fascist demonstration in south London.

Two opposing demonstrations took place in East Croydon on Saturday, with a heavy police presence ensuring the rival protesters were kept away from each other.

The South East Alliance had initially planned an anti-immigration protest outside Lunar House, the Home Office headquarters for visa services and immigration.

Police escorting the right wingers back to East Croydon pic.twitter.com/aAcnd4wC5K

— Tom Matthews (@Tom__Matthews) May 6, 2017

The massed ranks of the far-right, protesting outside a (closed) immigration office in #Croydon today. #bigidiots pic.twitter.com/BqJcv2ysz1

— HOPE not hate (@hopenothate) May 6, 2017

11 Nazis in total! No doubt we'll hear how they're growing later.. Dave Coppin should've brought his Filipino wife to make the numbers up pic.twitter.com/28mZvZHu2U

— HOPE not hate (@hopenothate) May 6, 2017

Images from the scene did not exactly make the demonstration look hugely well-attended.

Protestors could be seen holding signs reading “say no to sharia” and “immigration ruined our NHS and social housing”.

The Evening Standard reported around 40 people attended - while a rival demo organised by Unite Against Fascism and the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) attracts around 400 protesters.

East Croydon isn't taking the fascist demo outside the home office lying down today. #movementforjustice pic.twitter.com/tVQicN4Z5v

— Jenn Selby (@JennSelby) May 6, 2017

Video from the scene showed counter-protest shouting that they would “stand up, fight back” when parts of the community were under attack.

Another video showing anti-fascist demonstrators scuffling and shouting “police protect the Nazis”.

Tempers rise as a pedestrian is mistaken as a member of anti-immigration group South East Alliance by pro-immigration protestors #Croydon pic.twitter.com/Y8QAitHY4L

— Sam Truelove (@samtruelove1) May 6, 2017

The Metropolitan Police said that part of one street was cordoned off and there was some disruption to train and tram services due to the demonstrations.

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