Protesters in Oxford say that the right wing has incited and is having pogroms across the country in the week.

A unity rally was held at Carfax Tower in the city centre on Monday evening by Oxford Stand Up To Racism amid anti-migrant demonstrations across the country.

Hundreds of left-wing protesters descended on Cornmarket Street holding aloft banners with messages such as “Refugees welcome here” and “Oppose Tommy Robinson”.

Protester Pat Carmody said: “We are having an emergency demonstration in light of the awful riots and the violence from the far-right which has been whipped up by Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.

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There was a large turnout at the Oxford protest.There was a large turnout at the Oxford protest. (Image: Newsquest)

“Those murders in Southport are of course horrific.

“It is a community trying to grieve, and the right-wing is trying to exploit this.

“What we have seen over the last four or five days are pogroms.

“Black people are being singled out; Asian people are being pulled out of their cars.

“They want to strike fear into these communities but we stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

Police were present at the scene but were quick to assure the public that if anything were to arise, they would deal with it.

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The protest was held on Cornmarket Street in the city centre.The protest was held on Cornmarket Street in the city centre. (Image: Newsquest)

Those in attendance claimed that a couple of right-wing protestors had arrived but were soon ushered away by Thames Valley Police officers.

Another campaigner named Peter, who did not wish to reveal his surname, travelled from Aylesbury and also spoke to the Oxford Mail at the scene.

“Nothing is happening in Aylesbury so I have travelled over here,” he said.

“We had a couple of people from the far-right shouting abuse at us but straight away, no messing, they were taken away by the police.

“It has been peaceful as we have members from all different organisations such as the Green Party, the Socialist Party, and Stand Up To Racism.”

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Prior to the protests, Teige, a member of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, said: "We have called the event to unite Oxford in the spirit of the Southport community who grieved their terrible losses together last Tuesday and again came together to repair the mosque property and reject the Islamophobic and anti-migrant violence incited predicated on lies about the attacks in their community.

“We reject the continued racist attacks last week and weekend on mosques and refugee accommodation by violent thugs, and we recognise that the great majority of people agree.

"Please join us today with a programme of respect for recent losses and unity across the breadth of Oxford's wonderful community.

"We would be grateful if you mobilise your parties, workplaces and neighbourhoods to attend.”

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A variety of signs were held up at the protest.A variety of signs were held up at the protest. (Image: Newsquest)

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