Sainsbury's supermarket forced to shut after being 'stormed' by masked yobs amid protests

A Manchester city centre supermarket has been forced to shut after it was 'stormed' by a gang of masked yobs this afternoon.

Tensions have flared as hundreds of protesters descended on Manchester for a series of protests today (Saturday). Around 150 people joined one protest - entitled 'Stand Up For Your Country: Enough is Enough' - while a counter rally was attended by 350 demonstrators.

Fighting later broke out in Piccadilly Gardens while metal fences were ripped down by protesters. Several people were seen being detained by police.

READ MORE: Fighting breaks out in Piccadilly Gardens amid Manchester city centre protests

At about 3.25pm today, a group of men wearing masks and balaclavas were seen running down Mosley Street chanting the name of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Eyewitnesses said some of the group then ran into a Sainsbury's Local store before 'grabbing items and throwing them'. After leaving the shop, the men were chased by police wearing riot gear, who managed to kettle them outside Manchester Art Gallery.

A photograph taken by the Manchester Evening News showed items strewn across the floor of the shop. The shop later closed, with another image showing its shutters down.

Earlier today, video footage captured by the M.E.N. showed scuffles breaking out in Piccadilly Gardens. Metal fences were seen being hurled while punches were thrown by a number of people in the melee.

A large number of police officers could be seen attempting to keep order and dispersing people from the area. At least one person was seen being tackled to the floor by police officers.

A dispersal order is in place across the whole of Manchester city centre until 7pm. Greater Manchester Police announced the measures this