A protest and counter-protest staged at a Newquay hotel housing asylum seekers on Sunday ended after violence broke out.

Anti-fascist protestors were involved in clashes with the police as they attempted to push towards the anti-refugee group outside the Beresford Hotel at Narrowcliff at about 1pm.

Officers shouted at the counter protestors to get back and at least two of the demonstrators were thrown to the floor. The group of counter-protestors were chanting the “police protect the fascists.”

Four counter protesters were taken away by the police after an anti-refugee protester was allegedly assaulted. One woman was shoved to the floor by a mask wearing anti-fascist protestor who dispersed into the crowd.

Police arrested two people on suspicion of assault and remain in police custody. Two other people were issued with Section 35 dispersal antisocial behaviour notices.

The situation calmed before a group of asylum seeker supporters attempted to march toward the remaining anti-refugee supporters.

The police brought in two vans to block to keep the two groups apart, which eventually managed to disperse the crowds.

Around 150 campaigners supporting the asylum seekers, many from Resist Cornwall, outnumbered anti-refugee protestors.

The road had to be closed at about 10.55am following counter protestors gathering to get their point across with banners and flags such as “Refugees are welcome here” and “Gary says kick Racism out.”

Around 20 protestors on the other side of the street held various placards stating: “Close Migrant Hotels, House Local People First, Stop Immigration Now” and others said “Migrants given hotel rooms while local homeless left on the streets.” Campaigners on both sides used megaphones to get their messages across.

The protest was staged following “false and damaging” rumours that the person arrested following an alleged rape at Towan Beach on March 12 was staying at the Beresford Hotel where asylum seekers are staying whilst their applications are being processed.

Resist Cornwall organised the counter-protest to stand in support of survivors of sexual violence, “whose trauma is being co-opted by racists to incite hatred towards refugees.”

The first protest was held following allegations women and children were being followed by asylum seekers in Newquay. The Police stated at the time that it is aware of speculation on social media about some people not feeling safe in Newquay but the number of reports to police “do not reflect this.”

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Officers were deployed to Newquay to facilitate a planned protest.

 "Around 20 protesters and 150 counter-protesters were involved in the demonstration.

"Officers engaged with organisers to ensure everyone in attendance was kept safe, whilst facilitating the public’s right to peaceful protest.

"The majority of people acted peacefully, and we would like to thank them for their conduct. 

"Narrowcliff Road was closed around 10.55am when protesters took to the road. This was to ensure the safety of protesters and the general public. The road fully reopened at 2pm.

"Neighbourhood teams will continue engagement with the local community to provide reassurance to residents.

"If you have any concerns, please speak to an officer.

"Any potential crimes should be reported to police so that they can be investigated fully."