In Pictures: Thousands of anti-racism protesters gather in Walthamstow

Thousands of counter protesters gathered with banners reading “smash fascism and racism”.

Men and women of all ages carrying signs with anti-racism slogans on them say they have travelled to the area to "protect "the area from "gutless" far right protesters. 

And despite thousands gathered outside the Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau in Hoe St, onlookers said they could not see a single far-right protesters.

The Met Police had been ready to deploy more than 1,300 officers on Wednesday evening over concerns that unrest was expected in the capital in four locations and could turn violent.

Similar counter protests took place in North Finchley and Harrow, where it was feared far right riots would take place.

Shops at all three locations had closed early as communities braced themselves for possible unrest, and some had boarded up their windows.

In Croydon, 10 people were arrested after bottles were thrown at police and objects dragged down the road, after around 50 people gathered.

The Met said the disruption was “not linked to protest” and that it appeared to be “pure anti-social behaviour”.

In a post on social media, the force said: “Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon.

“They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder.”

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: "This evening more than 1,000 officers were deployed in London ready to respond to events planned across the city. They were ready to protect our communities from hateful, divisive and violent behaviour.

“Two large anti-racism protests took place in Waltham Forest and Finchley. The majority of people engaged with officers and complied with conditions. These events passed without major incident or disruption.

“However, officers did face anti-social behaviour from a small group in Croydon who were not related to any protest, but were intent on causing trouble.

"Our top priority has been to keep our communities safe, prevent significant disorder and swiftly deal with any offenders. A number of arrests were made across the city this evening.

“We used a range of powers as part of our policing operation in order to keep people safe. This included the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across various locations, giving officers extra powers to stop and search people and request the removal of face coverings. As a result, officers seized a number of weapons.

"I want to thank our communities for coming together across the capital and for showing community spirit this evening. I would also like to thank the committed officers who have been working hard to police London today, serving their communities and keeping people safe.”

The counter protests follow a week of violent protests across the country after three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport.

The subsequent unrest has been partly fuelled by misinformation online, the far right and anti-immigration sentiment.