Thousands of anti-racism protesters take part in peaceful Brighton demonstration
WATCH: Thousands of people gathered for a peaceful protest in Brighton
Around 2,000 campaigners gathered in Brighton on Wednesday night to unite in response to recent disorder across the UK.
Anti-racism protesters took to Queens Road for a peaceful demonstration.
In Hastings, around 400 people gathered at Cambridge Gardens.
There was a significant presence of officers at both locations. Sussex Police said there were no incidents of note or arrests.
Rallies also took place in Southampton, Oxford, Aldershot and Southend.
Police forces across the country were understood to be preparing for more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter-protests on Wednesday.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley praised communities and police for their "show of unity", after fears of widespread far-right unrest did not materialise.
WATCH: Campaigners talk about why it was important to take part in peaceful gatherings
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said: "We would like to thank communities for their support, engagement and providing information to help us keep communities safe.
"There will be a continued police presence and additional policing resources in coming days to maintain peace and prevent disorder.
"...The message remains the same. Anyone planning to take part in criminal disorder in Sussex will regret their actions. Do not do it. Our officers are mobilised and fully prepared, and the ramifications for those involved will stretch far beyond the conclusion of any incidents."
In Bournemouth, 160 people gathered in the Landsdowne area.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, Gold Commander, Dorset Police said: "The vast majority of people behaved within the law and we would like to thank them for their conduct.
"There were no arrests, however one person was given a legal order to leave the area and not return within 12 hours.
"As we have shown this evening, and at demonstrations in Weymouth on Sunday, we are well trained to maintain public order and have specially trained officers and plans in place to deal with any outbreaks of disorder. Officers will always seek to de-escalate matters as quickly as possible and we will not hesitate to take necessary action against anyone who deliberately chooses to act outside the law.
"This evening officers from Dorset, supported by colleagues from Devon and Cornwall, maintained public safety and engaged with those attending the area. I would like to thank them for their hard work and we will continue to work with our partners over the coming weeks to respond to protest activity and keep our communities safe."
A statement by Kent police said: "On the evening of Wednesday 7 August 2024, a number of people with opposing views gathered at a location on Maidstone Road, Chatham.
"Kent Police arrested two people over the course of the evening – both on suspicion of public order offences, after one was alleged to have shouted racial abuse and another made homophobic comments to a police officer.
"No serious disorder was reported and there were no injuries.
"There was also no violence or disorder reported anywhere else in the county, however one man was arrested at a small gathering in Saxon Street, Dover, for common assault and causing criminal damage to a mobile phone."
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