A "HANDFUL of arrests" were made in connection with a fight after a protest in Leeds yesterday.

It came on a day violent disorder in towns and cities such as Hull, Manchester, and Liverpool led to officers being injured as objects such as bricks, chairs and bottles were thrown at police.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police have his “full support” to take action against “extremists” attempting to “sow hate” by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violence “will pay the price” and that “criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets”.

Cities across the UK saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters on Saturday, with police forming lines with riot shields to keep groups apart.

In Leeds, around 400 people gathered on the Headrow in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

According to police, the event passed off largely without incident with one arrest being made.

As people were leaving the area, a fight broke out on Millennium Square between around 10 to 12 males.

Police made arrests in connection with the incident and enquiries remain ongoing.

Officers also thanked those who protested peacefully and allowed the wider public to go about their business unaffected.

In Hull, four people have been arrested as three officers were hurt after a group of people targeted a hotel which houses asylum seekers.

Humberside Police Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore said officers have “faced eggs and bottles being thrown” as windows were smashed at the hotel which has housed migrants.

Later in the city shops were looted and set on fire

Full West Yorkshire Police statement

A spokesperson for the force said: "West Yorkshire Police were in Leeds City Centre today (Saturday) for a protest. 

"It is believed there was a total of around 400 people on the Headrow and the event passed off largely without incident with one arrest being made. 

"As people were leaving the area, a fight broke out on Millennium Square between around 10 to 12 males.

"Enquiries are ongoing and police have made a handful of arrests in connection with the incident. 

"Officers would like to thank all those who protested peacefully and allowed the wider public to go about their business unaffected."