Counter-protesters are making their way to Brighton city centre this evening after unconfirmed reports that an anti-immigration protest was being organised.

Hundreds of people have gathered in Queens Road in Brighton this evening amid fears of a possible riot.

Shops and businesses in the railway station area and Western Road spent the day boarding up their windows and doors to avoid the sheer destruction caused by riots across the country following the tragic Southport stabbings.

An other protest and counter-protest were expected in Hastings.

Sussex Police are currently in Queens Road dealing with the event.

Several Brighton and Hove Buses were stuck in the crowd but are now moving.

People are still turning up, including people wearing balaclavas.

You can follow our live coverage here.

Click on the photo gallery at the top of our article to see the very first images from the Brighton protest.