Police said they will investigate after protesters and counter-protesters clashed at a Let Women Speak rally.
A protest was held in Brighton by Let Women Speak, a campaign group that says it fights back against the global assault of women.
The protest was led by founder Kellie-Jay Keen, a self-described women’s rights campaigner who is known for her opposition to transgender rights, on Sunday, June 23, in Victoria Gardens.
The protest descended into chaos as counter-protesters attended.
The rally was advertised as a free speech event and women were able to take to the microphone and discuss issues facing them, including regarding trans rights.
Videos on X show police officers and vans forming a circle around the Let Women Speak event to barricade counter-protesters.
After the event, footage also shows officers ushering people inside the North Laine Bazaar and closing the doors, with counter-protesters sitting outside holding signs and Transgender Pride flags.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Sussex Police attended an event in Victoria Gardens in Brighton on Sunday, June 23, in order to facilitate a safe, planned protest.
“Preparations were made, with engagement between the event organisers, demonstrators and community partners, to maintain the safety of all those involved while minimising disruption to the wider community.
“Following the conclusion of the event, police took steps to ensure those leaving the event were separated from protesters as they left the area, to avoid potential escalation.
“We understand people have strongly held views and sometimes expect the police to intervene.
“We recognise and respect different communities and want them to be safe and feel safe.
“However we have a duty to protect freedom of expression - including (in the words of the European Court of Human Rights) the right to express ideas ‘that offend, shock or disturb’ - as long as those expressing them stay within the law.
“Demonstrations are policed by trained protest liaison officers and, should peaceful protest begin to involve hate speech or anti-social behaviour, enforcement action will be taken.
“Investigations will also take place following the event to identify whether any criminality took place.”
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