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Britain First supporters and counter protesters have been separated by barriers in Manchester as the far-right party holds a march through the city.
Hundreds of supporters of the anti-immigration party are part of the march on Saturday, along with a smaller number of counter protesters.
GMP said three people have been arrested, earlier saying that two of the arrests were separate incidents involving counter protesters.
“One was for failing to provide details after requesting they removed their face covering. Another was for police assault”. the force said.
Organisers of the march, advertised by them as a St George’s Day parade, have agreed a route with police, starting at 1.15pm and travelling across central Manchester.
According to a Manchester Evening News reporter, demonstrators from both sides were separated by barriers at St Peter’s Square.
In a joint statement, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, his deputy Kate Green and city council leader Bev Craig said: “There is no place in Greater Manchester for anyone coming here to sow division and incite fear, hatred, or violence.”
Pictured: Increased police presence in Manchester for Britain First rally 
Police officers form a line during a Britain First march in Manchester (AFP via Getty Images)
A policer officer looks on during a Britain First march in Manchester (AFP via Getty Images)
People wear Union Jack and St George’s cross flags (AFP via Getty Images)
Holly Bancroft18 April 2026 15:55
Majority of group dispersed after speeches end, police say
The force has made three arrests in total.
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 15:27
‘Breakaway group’ make way down side of Manchester Town Hall, police say
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 14:42
Counter protesters attempted to break lines, police say
In a further update, GMP said: Earlier, counter-protesters had attempted to break police lines and attempted to throw punches.
“PAVA spray was deployed as a tactic instead of using further additional force. There are no reports of any members of the public being injured.”
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 14:35
The force said: “So far two arrests have been made. Both were separate incidents involving counter-protesters. One was for failing to provide details after requesting they removed their face covering. Another was for police assault.”
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 14:31
Pictures show Britain First supporters on march
A person carries a large cross during a Britain First march in Manchester on April, 18, 2026. (AFP/Getty)
The Britain First march in Manchester (AFP/Getty)
People wave St George’s cross flags during a Britain First march in Manchester (AFP/Getty)
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 14:28
Scuffle between police and counter-protesters in Piccadilly Gardens
A video posted by Manchester Stand up to Racism appears to show scuffles between police and counter demonstrators in Piccadilly Gardens.
According to a Manchester Evening News reporter on the ground, Britain First supporters and most counter protesters were being separated by barriers at St Peter’s Square.
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 14:16
March has made it to St Peter’s Square
“Static demos” are taking place in St Peter’s Square, GMP has said.
Dan Haygarth18 April 2026 13:58
‘Vast majority of both sides causing no issues’, Greater Manchester Police says
Greater Manchester Police has said that “the vast majority of both sides are causing no issues” as Britain First protesters continue to move towards St. Peter’s Square as planned.
A reporter on the ground for Manchester Evening News has estimated that the turn out is “in the hundreds not thousands”.
(Greater Manchester Police )
Holly Bancroft18 April 2026 13:49
Small group of counter protesters pictured
A group of counter protesters have been moved away from tram tracks to minimise travel disruption in Manchester. Greater Manchester Police have shared an aerial photo of the small group surrounded by police officers.
Leader of Manchester city council Cllr Bev Craig called for people to “stand united in the face of division” ahead of the march and urged Mancunians who want to celebrate St George’s Day to get involved in an annual parade on 26 April.
(Greater Manchester Police )
Holly Bancroft18 April 2026 13:34