A UKIP-led “Reclaim Sheffield” rally and a counter-demonstration organised under the banner “Keep our city Nazi-free” drew hundreds of people gathering in Sheffield city centre on Saturday, leading to tense stand-offs and several arrests.

The day began with police closing roads around Tudor Square and Castlegate.

Counter-protestors from groups including Stand Up to Racism gathered first near Sheffield Cathedral before marching towards Castlegate, chanting “Refugees are welcome here.”

The UKIP demonstrators, many of whom were dressed in black with hoods and face coverings, later arrived and were quickly contained by the police to prevent direct clashes.

Despite a heavy police presence, scuffles broke out as both sides exchanged chants and insults across barricades.

Officers on horseback and in riot gear were deployed to separate the groups.

Several arrests were made after physical altercations erupted, with at least one counter-protestor detained and others pushed to the ground as police attempted to maintain order.

By mid-afternoon, both protests had dispersed, with officers confirming the operation had ended peacefully overall.

The demonstrations marked one of the most confrontational political rallies in Sheffield, highlighting ongoing tensions over immigration and far-right politics in the country.