Police clash with protesters at asylum hotel demonstrations across UK

Counter-protests also taking place, with police separating rival groups in Bristol

Protesters have clashed with police as demonstrations against hotels housing asylum seekers began to take place across the UK.

Demonstrations under the “Abolish Asylum System” slogan were being held in towns and cities across England, including Bristol, Exeter, Tamworth, Cannock, Nuneaton, Liverpool, Wakefield, Newcastle upon Tyne, Horley in Surrey and Canary Wharf in central London.

There were also protests in Aberdeen and Perth in Scotland and Mold in Flintshire, Wales.

Counterprotests organised by Stand Up to Racism were taking place in Bristol, Cannock, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Wakefield, Horley and Long Eaton in Derbyshire.