POLICE have warned that there will be arrests after campaigners "turned to violence" during a Tommy Robinson campaign event.

Two police vehicles were damaged as a result of the disorder which broke out in Limeside, Oldham, yesterday afternoon.

Footage posted on social media showed clashes between supporters of the far right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and counter-demonstrators.

Eggs, bricks, bottles and other objects were thrown, with police later releasing a statement to say that those involved "can expected to be arrested and dealt with robustly."

Police said that many of those responsible are not thought to be from Oldham.

The incident has been brought to a close, and no one was seriously injured.

The clashes took place in a residential area of Limeside where riot police armed with batons and shields attempted to keep the crowds separate.

Chief Supt Neil Evans, Territorial Commander for Oldham, said: “Everyone has the right to free speech and we will always do our best to facilitate this so people can exercise this right in a safe environment.

“This evening, people took advantage of this and turned to violence, throwing objects including eggs and bricks. We understand that many of those involved were not from Oldham.

“Whoever is responsible, this behaviour will not be tolerated by GMP, our partners or the people of Oldham.

“Police officers responded quickly to the disorder and dispersed those involved. Fortunately, no-one was seriously hurt and damage was only caused to vehicles.

“Now the incident has come to a close and people in the area have dispersed, our attention turns to the investigation into the circumstances that surround it. Those involved can expect to be arrested and dealt with robustly.

“There are a number of videos circulating on social media so we know that people have information that could be useful to us and I’d encourage those who have to get in contact with us.

“Patrols will remain in the area for some time for reassurance and to deal with any further concerns in the local area so, as always, please feel free to speak directly to officers.

“We are working very closely with our partners and communities and are determined that the cohesion in Oldham is not damaged by today's events.”

A live video posted on Facebook by a group calling itself the Muslim Defence League showed a group of Asian men standing and shouting across at the other crowd across the police blockade, with some throwing objects and shouting "racist scum."

A separate live video shared on YouTube by Danny Tommo, an associate of Robinson, appeared to show the clashes from the other perspective. In the clip, he claims bricks are being thrown at his group.

Robinson was due to make an appearance in Limeside as he campaigns for the European elections, in which he is standing as a candidate for the North West — voting in the election takes place on Thursday, while counting starts on Sunday May 26.

Jim McMahon, Labour MP for Oldham West and Royton, posted on twitter after the incident.

The shadow minister for local government posted: "It’s horrible to see our town being used for hate and division when our own future is a shared one, long after the circus has left town.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them, and to email footage or images to scd.cctv@gmp.police.uk.

Anyone with information about the incident should report it to police on 101.