Men in balaclavas create 'protective ring' around McDonald’s as 'tyres slashed' on TV van

Men in balaclavas and masks created a 'protective ring' around a McDonald's restaurant amid rumours of a 'far-right march' in Birmingham on Monday evening (August 5).

Rumours had circulated throughout the day that the area was going to be the next target for anti-immigrant protests and disorder.

West Midlands Police, MPs and community leaders pleaded for calm and urged people to stay away from the rumoured start point at a McDonald's, reports BirminghamLive.

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It was reported that a Sky News vehicle was attacked and a man armed with a knife made threats. Earlier in the evening, a TV journalist was forced to go off air after she was surrounded by a group who began yelling and swearing.

A huge crowd gathered in Bordesley Green on Monday evening, following rumours that a 'far right rally' was going to take place. It followed far-right protests that have swept parts otyf the country in recent days, bringing large scale disorder to the UK's streets.

More than 300 men, some wearing face coverings, appeared outside the McDonald's, at the junction of Bordesley Green and Belchers Lane at around 5pm.

A 45-year-old from Bordesley Green told Birmingham Live he was there to stand up against fascism and show solidarity. He said: “Nigel Farage is trying to make out he’s all for peace - people like him need to speak up now and end this violence not stoke the fires”.

He added: “We don’t want this portrayed as Muslim men causing trouble. There are hundreds of us here and we want to send a message - racists and fascists are not welcome here.”

Another said they didn't believe any trouble would happen. He added: "It's just empty