Police have made 12 arrests after tensions boiled over during a protest involving the far-right and anti-fascists.
A march and rally organised by Britain First and English Defence League (EDL) took place on Saturday (April 1) from noon.
Protesters were met with a counter demonstration by Unite Against Fascism (UAF).
Frantic scenes unfolded when ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson arrived and a high number of police officers moved to contain potential trouble.
UAF protesters chanted "EDL go to hell" and hundreds of protesters spilled onto the surrounding roads.
Officers said 12 arrests had been made as of 2pm, for various offences.
Crowds first gathered in Trafalgar Square, and were told they had to obey conditions imposed by Metropolitan police.
Police had previously released rules for those in the rally, permitting access to Victoria Embankment, Trafalgar Square and Northumberland Avenue.
Chief superintendent, Catherine Roper, said before the rally: "The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption.
"Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term.
"What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested."
Police advised those who want to protest to do so peacefully and added: "We will adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder."
The event comes just over a week after a terrorist attack in Westminster saw Khalid Masood kill four people before he was shot dead.
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