Photos and videos show sheer scale of counter protests in Bristol

But it appears as though no members of the EDL turned up to the protest outside the immigration centre near West Street, Bristol.

And similar photos taken from a high rise building in Walthamstow, London, show an even bigger crowd of several thousand counter protestors, gathered without apparent opposition.

Taken from a hotel in London, crowds have packed the streets.

Farooq Siddique, 55, who is at the Bristol counter protest, said: “I was walking up this street earlier. I was heartbroken when I saw all of the shops boarded up.

“They are paying to do that themselves, just to be safe.

“Everyone was so afraid. It was depressing. I was tearing up.”

Farooq, who is a community activist and self-employed restauranteur, said: “Now, suddenly, to see this turnout of at least 2,000 people - it is heartwarming. It is uplifting.

“It makes you so proud to be Bristolian.

“I was telling people to avoid this area before, but I wish I hadn’t because they should see this.

“[The far-right] are in the minority.

“This reminds me why I’m so proud to live in Bristol. This is what makes us brave.”

An angrier group of counter-protesters, clad in all black and wearing face masks, arrived - some pushing police out the way.

Onlookers said initially others were nervous at their involvement, but then cheers erupted.

Jacob, 25, who withheld his surname, also at the Bristol counter protest, said: “I am surprised by the turn out more than anything.

“It is a show of solidarity. It gives me a bit of hope, having those small conversations.”

Jacob, who has lived in Bristol for five years, said hate breeds in echo chambers, and added: “Everyone should have a voice.

“When people are not heard they can't be pushed. We need open dialogue, not shutting people down.

“If it is bigoted and racist it can be difficult but we need to keep listening and then argue.”