Palestine demonstrations, live streamers and increased patrols - this is what happened in the city centre this afternoon

Two opposing groups encountered each other in the Manchester city centre today as a small group of right-wing content creators gatecrashed a pro-Palestine demonstration.

Over 100 people gathered today at the Manchester Cathedral which was the starting point for a march that snaked its way to St Peter's Square.

Organised by the Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine, the march was met with some counter-protestors who were equipped with mics, portable live broadcasting tools and waved the Union Jack and a makeshift anti-Hamas flag.

An event that was heavily policed, officers and organisers did much to keep them separated. However, as the march began a small scuffle ensued between the two groups which resulted in a few seconds of pushing and an exchange of heated words.

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Officers worked quickly to divide the two, and acted as a mobile shield that kept them apart as dozens clad in keffiyeh and Palestine colours slowly trekked through Deansgate, John Dalton Street and eventually St Peter's Square.

The sound of drums and chants rang out with participants shouting slogans such as "Free, Free Palestine", "End the occupation now" and "stop the genocide."

These calls were met with retorts from the small group of counter-protestors who berated the Palestine demonstration for going ahead days after a terrorist attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall.

Earlier in the afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, spoke to the M.E.N about the policing plans for the weekend, which involved preparations for the Conservative Party Conference and multiple other events in the city. 

He told the M.E.N: "Greater Manchester Police are well