FIVE people were arrested after trouble broke out during a far-right demonstration in the heart of York at the weekend.

Just after 3pm on Saturday police responded to a disturbance near York Minster involving a group of protestors and members of the public.

Officers were monitoring the protest by St Michael le Belfry Church – thought to involve the fascist group National Action and involving around 30 to 40 protestors.

But altercations broke out between members of the public and the protestors and officers had to bring the situation under control, arresting four of the demonstrators and one member of the public.

The rest of the protest group, who are believed to have travelled from various areas of the country, were then escorted back to the city’s railway station to prevent any further disturbances.

Police said their inquiries into the incident were continuing to identify any further offences - and officers have not ruled out making any further arrests.

Superintendent Dave Hannan said: "Everyone has a right to peaceful and lawful protest, however, the police will not tolerate racist, offensive or violent behaviour.

“The situation was soon brought under control with offenders arrested and the remaining protestors escorted out of the city."

The arrested men include a 25-year-old man from Weymouth who was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace and for failing to supply his details.

A 25-year-old man from West Bromwich was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence while a 31-year-old man from Horley in Surrey was arrested on suspicion of using threatening words and behaviour.

A 21-year-old man from Swansea was arrested for a public order offence and a 27-year-old man from York was arrested on suspicion of using threatening words and behaviour.