Drinks cans have been thrown by supporters of the “unite the kingdom” march towards anti-fascist counter-demonstrators as thousands from both sides stared each other down on Whitehall – PA reports.

A line of police horses were facing the union flags, and at one point a glass bottle appeared to smash against a police horse, causing the horse and rider to stagger backwards.

There were only metres between the crowds from both sides, and reportedly a stick was seen being thrown from the Stand Up to Racism side. A Stand Up to Racism speaker reiterated from the stage that stewards were working to find a safe route for protesters to exit Whitehall, as Robinson supporters had congregated on each adjoining road.