Five arrested at town centre protests

Two men aged 25 and 48 were detained on suspicion of assault, while an 18-year-old male was held for racially-aggravated disorder.

The three men, all from Rotherham, have been released on bail pending further police investigations.

Fighting broke out opposite the Advertiser office on Wellgate at around 3.40pm, as anti-Britain First protesters dispersed towards Eastwood, with missiles thrown and white and Asian men clashing with police.

Britain First called the march to protest about Rotherham’s child sex abuse scandal, with a counter-demo being led by Rotherham Unite Against Fascism.

Chief Supt Rob Odell, who led policing of the protests, said: “As groups dispersed there was a pocket of disorder which was dealt with by officers.

“Aside from a small minority of people, the public of Rotherham did not react to what was a difficult day.

“I would like to thank them for the co-operation and patience they showed while our policing operation took place.”

He added: “I’m acutely aware of the impact of such a significant police presence in the town centre.

“But when such incidents of disorder break out it’s essential that we are well-equipped to deal with the situation quickly and effectively, minimising the impact on local people.”

Two more men were arrested and detained for a short time, before being released.

A 26-year-old local man was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace.

A 23-year-old man from Maltby was given a fixed penalty for being drunk and disorderly.