Police officers injured after violent protests take place in cities across UK

A number of police officers have been injured after violent protests took place in across the UK on Saturday.

Cities across the country saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police forming lines with riot shields to keep groups apart.

Merseyside Police said a number of officers were injured after they dealt with 'serious disorder' across the city centre. Bricks and bottles were thrown at police officers as violence broke out on The Strand, as the Liverpool Echo reports. Protests were organised in the city centre on Saturday, including one called 'Save Our Kids' near the Liver Building at Liverpool's Pier Head.

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Counter protests, including one called 'Don't Let The Racists Divide Us' at St George's Plateau, have also been held. That protest was addressed by speakers including MP Ian Byrne, who told the crowd: "This city is built on solidarity. Let’s put it into action."

In a statement posted on X, Merseyside Police said: "A number of officers have been injured as they deal with serious disorder in Liverpool city centre. This behaviour, which puts the public and our officers in harms way, will not be tolerated. And we will be arresting those responsible."

In Hull, four people have been arrested as a result of the protests in its city centre with three officers believed to have suffered injuries. Road closures are currently still in place while police continue to manage the incident.

Humberside Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore said: “We currently have a high policing presence whilst officers respond to disorder that is taking place in the area of Ferensway following a protest that