Police swarm Portsmouth Guildhall as pro and anti-refugee campaigns are held

Members of far right movement the Pie and Smash Squad have taken to the steps of the Guildhall in black clothes and masks to display a ‘Portsmouth Says No to Refugees’ banner.

On the other side of the square are anti-fascist supporters showing their support for families fleeing war-torn countries for a new life in Britain.

And they blame wars in the Middle East for stirring up racial hatred.

Police are standing guard and officers on horses are also keep a close eye on the tense protests.

Both sides are also shouting abuse at each other.

It’s believed far right campaigners have been brought in from Leicester.

Southsea resident Jenny Pearce, supporting the pro-refugee rally, said: ‘I am against racism in any form and I don’t see any harm with migrants coming to this country. People from England go abroad and live so why can’t we let migrants come and work here?’