CENTRAL London erupted into violent scenes after anti-fascist campaigners tried to block a march by the Democratic Football Lads' Alliance.

Dozens of DFLA protesters were seen fighting with police officers, with one threatening a cop and screaming “I’ll kill you”, according to reports.

The clash – which resulted in at least one arrest – came despite the alliance telling its supporters to remain “respectful and decent” during today’s demonstration.

Several hostile-looking men had to be held back from joining in the fighting by their friends, said the Press Association.

The Anti-Fascist Network said that its counter demonstration to show opposition to the event resulted in the DFLA being “sandwiched” by their black-clad supporters and police following the alliance's march.

On Facebook, DFLA march organisers explained they were protesting against "returning jihadists, thousands of AWOL migrants, rape gangs and groomers", and "veterans treated like traitors".

Prior to today's event, they had urged people to “take to the streets to highlight the cost of austerity, the uncontrolled knife crime, the plight of victims of rape and abuse and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) that our unaccountable government is responsible for.

“We need to be aware that the left are going to try and goad you, to provoke you to violence. "Remember, if you respond you may as well hand them a child to be abused, so stand strong, stand proud, do not give into them.

“We will have the attention of the media with us, this is our chance to influence the nation, to get Government to sit up and take note. We are the kingmakers.

“This will be the day we saved our country from Westmonster.”

Hundreds of DFLA supporters were walking from Park Lane to Whitehall before some of them started to push through their police escorts, reported the PA.

Peter Mantell, 53, attending the demonstration from Crayford, told the PA: "I detest some of the people I'm walking with. A lot of them hate people because of the colour of their skin.

"I'm a lefty. But I believe we should have a voice against the people who want to hurt everyone and cause harm."

He also admitted that he was a supporter of former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson.

Many demonstrators could be heard chanting "whose streets? Our streets?" as they marched down Pall Mall.

Scores of police on horseback and wearing riot gear tried to control the swelling groups with police vans trying to block them in, as some yelled at them for alleged inaction against "paedos and grooming gangs", reported MailOnline.

One person watching the clashes described it on Twitter as an “absolute scruffy shambles. Their [DFLA] pathetic march blocked by a much larger anti-fascist turnout”.

Another man tweeted about seeing “intense scenes at Trafalgar Square. As a bystander, without any kind of political stand, I’ve just been verbally abused by a man with a shaved head, brandishing a St George’s cross flag and dragging a small child round.”

Prior to the event, the Metropolitan police said it had imposed conditions upon marches and rallies being planned by the DFLA, and also upon the anti-fascist counter demonstration.

This stipulated that protesters must start their march at Park Lane, and continue along Piccadilly, St James's Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and ending at Whitehall.

The force asked attendees to conduct themselves "peacefully, whatever your view... failure to adhere to these conditions may lead to arrest and prosecution.”

The Guardian said that "thousands" of people attended the event.