Protesters from both sides of the immigration debate gathered in a town centre this evening.

Billed as the Herne Bay Community Protest, people were urged to meet at the clock tower to “back British fisherman”, “stop the boats” and “say no to digital ID”.

There were chants of “lefty scum, off our streets”, as well as ”Keir Starmer’s a w*****”.

A huge sign saying “Stop the boats” was draped behind the protesters on the clock tower.

The protest also attracted a large group of counter-protesters, who were in full voice with retorts of “asylum is a human right” and “refugees are welcome here”.

A line of about 50 police officers was separating the two groups.

An attempt to set fire to a counter-protester’s cardboard sign in the middle of the road was stopped by police.

Missus Kent was also in attendance, having a sing-song and calling counter-protesters traitors.

The protest was set to start at 6pm, but flags had already been draped high up on the clock tower at about 4pm.

There were a number of police vans along Central Parade, with a large crowd of onlookers.

There was also security on the door of the Saxon Shore Wetherspoons opposite.

As of 8.30pm, the protesters had dispersed.

A police spokesman said: “Officers attended Central Parade in Herne Bay on Thursday to ensure protests and counter-protests remained peaceful.

“No arrests were made in connection with the protests.”