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.
1. London Protests
Police are confronted by protesters in Whitehall near Parliament Square. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire Photo: Jonathan Brady
2. Football Lads Alliance
Protesters from the Democratic Football Lads Alliance clash with people taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest in Parliament Square, London. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire Photo: Jonathan Brady
3. Britain First
Britain First leader Paul Golding (right) shakes hands with a protester in Parliament Square. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire Photo: Jonathan Brady
4. London Protests
Police form a barricade in Parliament Square. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire Photo: Jonathan Brady