Counter-protesters and ice cream vans outnumbered anti-immigration activists targeting a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Only a handful of activists calling for stricter immigration rules showed up at the Holiday Inn express in Crawley this evening - where they were met with hundreds of counter-protesters carrying flags, signs and many wearing balaclavas.

It was not long before they left in the back of a police van and only counter-protesters remained, where those left even broke out into song.

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Police geared up for trouble with dozens of officers on duty in the area and several vans parked in nearby streets filled with officers ready to jump into action.

Following riot scenes elsewhere in the UK, people nearby were taking no chances with the Harvester restaurant and other businesses sending their staff and customers home early.

West Sussex County Council leader Paul Marsh even pleaded with the public to keep the unrest at home - and said that those against mass immigration "will not win their argument, because their argument is against all we value."

It comes just two days after thousands stood in protest against a planned anti-immigration demonstration at an immigration lawyers office in Brighton.

The Argus understands at least one arrest was made at the demonstration.