UK Police make arrests after violent right-wing protest

British police say they have arrested more than 100 people after protesters, including far-right activists, clashed with officers in London.

Hundreds of right-wing activists turned out for demonstrations on Saturday in London, with many saying they wanted to "protect” monuments and statues targeted recently by anti-racism protesters for links to slavery and British colonialism.

The protests, which were attended by far-right groups including Britain First, turned violent when some scuffled with riot police and others hurled bottles, flares and smoke grenades at officers. 

A fight takes place near Waterloo Station as protesters supporting the Black Lives Matter movement clash with opponents. AFP

Six police officers suffered minor injuries.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the violence, saying "racist thuggery has no place on our streets.”

An official Black Lives Matter protest, originally planned for Saturday, had been called off over fears of conflict with right-wing activists. Some anti-racism protesters demonstrated mostly peacefully in separate locations. 

A wounded member of a far-right group is escorted by British police officers. AP

A 28-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of urinating on the memorial of a murdered policeman during far-right protests in central London, the Metropolitan Police said.

The man is in custody in Essex, east of London, after presenting himself at a police station, the police said.

The Westminster memorial honours PC Keith Palmer who was murdered while on duty at the Houses of Parliament during an attack in 2017 in which four other people were also killed. 

  A man is lifted up and taken to police lines after being beaten in clashes between protesters. AFP

Met Police Commander Bas Javid said on Saturday: "We are aware of a disgusting and abhorrent image circulating on social media of a man appearing to urinate on a memorial to PC Palmer.

"I feel for PC Palmer's family, friends and colleagues. We have immediately launched an investigation, and will gather all the evidence available to us and take appropriate action."