LIVE updates as hundreds of Britain First protesters march through Manchester city centre amid counter demonstration

Hundreds of people have gathered in Manchester city centre today - Saturday - for a march and rally. It's been organised by Britain First, with counter-protests also taking place.

Crowds were meeting outside Manchester Piccadilly railway station before a planned march towards Manchester city centre.

Large police numbers have been deployed to the scene. Counter-protests are being led by Stand Up To Racism, said the council.

Images show police lines beside one of the protest groups.

Manchester City Council said Greater Manchester Police has a 'robust operational plan in place to manage all protest activity focusing on public safety and maintaining order'.

The council said a number of 'regular' protests are also expected on Saturday, adding some 'may occur across multiple locations in the city centre'.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: "We respect and facilitate the right to lawful protest.

"As ever, appropriate plans will be put in place with the organisers and local partners to minimise disruption for those who live, work, and visit our city centre."

This is a breaking story. Live updates will appear in the blog below...

The current scene in St Peter's Square where both protests are continuing- flanked by police - on either side of the tram tracks pic.twitter.com/nvvcEgd5in

It is currently estimated there are around 600 people at the Britain First rally and around 400 on the counter-protest side

The counter- protesters are then stood behind police lines and fencing on the other side of the tram tracks. They are chanting ‘Manchester is anti-fascist’ and ‘say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here’ pic.twitter.com/L2x9OsDMvP

The Britain First rally is currently taking place outside Central Library.