Police were pelted with bottles during confrontations in central London after large crowds gathered claiming they were there to protect statues from Black Lives Matter protesters.
Hundreds of mostly white men converged on Parliament Square on Saturday after far-right groups, including Britain First, called on supporters to guard the monuments.
Many of those present were drinking and there were a number of clashes with police in riot gear as crowds chanting 'England' and raising their arms surged towards lines of officers.
In response to the statements by far-right groups, BML organisers urged supporters to stay away from central London on Saturday.
There were similar gatherings on Saturday in Belfast, Glasgow and Bristol with crowds massing around monuments.
9. London Protests
Police are confronted by protesters in Whitehall near Parliament Square, London. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire Photo: Jonathan Brady
10. London Protests
Police are confronted by protesters in Whitehall near Parliament Square. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire Photo: Jonathan Brady
11. London Protests
A group gathers around the Winston Churchill statue (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Photo: Dan Kitwood
12. London Protests
Following a social media post by the far-right activist known as Tommy Robinson, members of far-right linked groups have gathered around statues in London. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Photo: Dan Kitwood