MORE than 1,000 people took part in a protest and counter protest in Exeter on Saturday, November 22.

A second British Unity Walk, just a few weeks after a similar walk, was held in the city and again, as then, a counter protest was held by Exeter is for Everyone.

Devon and Cornwall Police worked with the organisers of both marches, local partners and businesses, to balance the right to protest, with the impact of the protests on others.

The Force had earlier issued Section 60AA order, which gave officers additional powers to require the removal of face coverings or anything concealing someone's identity.

Both groups took different routes to march around the city centre, Exeter is for Everyone taking a short route from Bedford Square, the British Unity Walk leaving from Bedford Square on a longer route.

After the Exeter is for Everyone march participants returned, about half an hour later the British Unity Walk participants made their way up the High Street.

Both sides were vocal, BBC Spotlight reporter Scott Bingham describing when the two groups came together at Bedford Square as with “a fair amount of shouting”.

He added: "About 800 people turned out for Exeter is for Everyone in response to the anti-immigration British Unity Walk, which had about 150 people."

Red, white and blue flares let off by a trio in the British Unity Walk filled the High Street with smoke upon arrival of the group at Bedford Square.

One person was put in handcuffs by police and taken away but it is not known if he was arrested.

Scuffles broke out between a faction of anti-fascist protestors and some members of the British Unity Walk further up the High Street.

However, police said the protests were peaceful overall.

Speeches were made by campaigners from many organisations in Bedford Square.

Exeter Green Councillor Diana Moore took part in the Exeter is for Everyone march and said on social media after the protests had concluded.

She said: “In the cold and wet some 1,500 people turned up to say that #Exeter is anti-racist and refugees are welcome here. A massive rally and march, with a positive message.

“At 2pm about 110 ‘unity’ marchers came by with smoke and abuse. Members of far right political groups had travelled to Exeter to support that march.

“Today is a reminder of the overwhelming number of Exeter residents who are prepared to come together and stand up to racism. This work continues in day to day life. Exeter benefits from the hopes, creativity and talents our diverse communities bring.”

LibDem City Councillor Kevin Mitchell took part in the Exeter is for Everyone march and said on social media afterwards: “Today Exeter was again United. Exeter is a welcoming City, a City of refuge, an inclusive City, a City that values diversity and knows that those beliefs makes it stronger.

“Huge numbers turned out for the Exeter is for Everyone rally and march to counter the far right Patriots, who also matched through the City. There is no place for hate or prejudice in our City.

“It was great to see so many friends from our diverse communities and organisations including Inclusive Exeter, Exeter Pride, DDE at the Global Centre and those from across the political spectrum including Philip Bialyk, Laura Wright, Diana Moore, Will Aczel, Robbie Harding, and Catherine Rees Stephan.

“Thank you Exeter for being Exeter!”