SUPPORTERS of the Anti Nazi League in Britain mounted a counter demonstration during a march by the Apprentice Boys of Derry (London branch) in Whitehall on Saturday. Four people were arrested for public order offences and some marchers were taken to hospital.
The trouble began at a premarch drink in the White Hart pub in Holborn, central London, where members of the Apprentice Boys argued with a group from the AntiNazi league. Anti Nazi supporters are thought to have verbally abused the members of a band taking part in the march.
During the row that followed, two men were taken to hospital with a stomach wound and a head injury, respectively. They were later released. A spokesman for the Anti Nazi League said members attended the march because they believed it would attract "fascist elements".
When the Apprentice Boys' march got going, there were further clashes and two marchers were taken to hospital with cuts and bruises.
A spokeswoman at Scotland Yard said that the while some incidents required a response from the police, the high profile of officers wearing full riot uniform prevented serious clashes.
As the marchers reached Marble Arch, with the Apprentice Boys Band playing loudly, they were cordoned off by the police.