An Eastleigh man has been arrested after anti-racism protesters and England flag wearing demonstrators came face-to-face in Southampton.

Hampshire Constabulary had the difficult task of keeping the peace between the two opposing protest groups in Grosvenor Square tonight, August 7.

In the mist of the action, a large commotion ensued in Park Lane off Grosvenor Square after an England flag wearing protester attempted to reach the anti-racism protesters.

READ MORE: Southampton: Closures and police patrols ahead of protests

The police immediately rushed through the crowd to arrest a man while other officers continued to hold back increasingly agree protesters. Hampshire police have now confirmed details about the protester arrested.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We have arrested a 40-year-old man from Eastleigh on suspicion of affray.”

The protests in Southampton tonight come amid a wave of riots across the country following the deaths of three young girls in Southport.