LIVE: Violence erupts at Tommy Robinson 'Unite the Kingdom' march in London - latest updates

Thousands of people have descended on central London today (September 13) for a rally organised by Tommy Robinson.

The event, billed as 'Unite the Kingdom', has drawn huge crowds close to Waterloo Station, waving the English and Welsh flags alongside the Union Jack.

A counter protest, dubbed March Against Fascism, organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), is taking place simultaneously.

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More than 1,600 Met Police officers have been deployed in the city in a bid to prevent clashes between protesters with opposing views.

The march, organised by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, began in Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge, with crowds building since mid-morning. They marched towards the southern end of Whitehall.

SUTR said their protest would begin in Russell Square from midday before marching via Kingsway, Aldwych and the Strand to the northern end of Whitehall for a rally.

Both demonstrations are being separated by barriers with a 'sterile area' to minimise the risk of clashes between the groups.

This is a live event with updates to follow below...

Police officers attempting to stop 'Unite the Kingdom' protesters from reaching counterprotesters were met with 'unacceptable violence', leading to nine arrests so far, the Met Police has said.

"Officers were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown," they wrote in an update on X.

"Nine arrests have been made so far for various offences, but many more people have been identified as committing offences."

"We will find them and they will face police action, even if it is not possible to do so today."

Footage has shown huge clashes between