Additional reporting by Simon Finlay, Abigail Hook, Brad Harper, Daniel Esson and Sam Lennon

Fears of disorder were contained to one Kent town as three people were arrested during clashes with anti-racism protesters.

Police in riot gear were stationed in Canterbury, Chatham and Dover amid concerns violent demonstrations seen nationally recently would be repeated in the county. However, the disorder was kept to Chatham, at the town’s Innovation Centre.

Dozens of anti-racism protesters gathered at the centre with signs reading ‘Stop the Far Right’ and ‘Medway Stand up to Racisim’.

Soon after a different group started gathering near them. At the peak, more than 100 congregated on the opposite side of the road. They were heard shouting ‘No you’re not’, when the anti-racism protesters chanted ‘Refugees welcome’.

One man shouted ‘Not in my town’ and another waving a Union Jack flag in front of the counter protesters was led away by police.

Police formed a guard between the anti-racism protesters and those on the other side of Maidstone Road. Several of the latter were handcuffed and led away by the police. Some three people were arrested, and seven in total were spoken to.

The number dwindled down to about 60 later on, and then at about 10.20pm police started to disperse the group to the roundabout near KFC in Maidstone Road. By around 10.45pm only a small number was left.

Bikers were also seen driving up the wrong side of the dual carriageway and repeatedly going down Maidstone Road, adding to the commotion.

Extra officers were on patrol in Kent this evening. They were stationed in the High Street area of Gillingham, near Chatham railway station, the Castle Hill area of Dover and the University Road area of Canterbury.

Officers also had additional powers to deal with anyone suspected of being involved in crime or disorder and to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying weapons.

Anyone who was asked to leave the areas was at potential risk of being arrested if they did not.

The force previously said they will respond “swiftly and robustly” to any disturbances.

Three or four police vans, accompanied by private security vehicles were seen on Canterbury campus, and the nearby Canterbury Mosque and Canterbury Innovation Centre.

Police officers equipped with batons, face shields and high-vis vests patrolled the area, but no unrest occurred. A couple dozen black-clad individuals were ordered by police to move along.

In the Priory lane car park in Dover, a small huddle of people holding signs reading ‘not full’ and ‘keep fascists out of Dover’, were monitored by police. They would not speak when approached for comment.

A photographer attempting to film the group was involved in a scuffle as one pushed him away.

The man, who covered his face, was then taken away by police and spoken to, and later driven off in a police car.

Police were also attempting to disperse groups of others crowded round the edges of the car park.

At around 10.30pm the group of counter protesters left the car park.

With unrest felt across the towns, many traders chose to close early or not open at all today.

Market traders in Canterbury decided not to trade, while an estate agents in Dover and at least one pub in Chatham decided to close early.

Posting on social media, one Canterbury market trader wrote: “As much as I think everything will be OK, I’m not willing to risk the safety of the staff.

“I have spoken to many businesses and local authorities and think it’s best to let the day go by without us being there.

“We are a small business and really couldn’t afford to be caught in the middle of anything dangerous.”

A city council spokesperson said: "Many of the market traders had picked up on the talk online about a possible protest in Canterbury and decided themselves that they did not want to trade today.

“As we were down to a very small number of remaining traders, there seemed little point in going ahead on that basis.”

The council is liaising with Kent Police and added: "There is no current advice that anyone should change their usual behaviour. Should this change then the police will communicate this publicly."

Despite worries about possible unrest in Dover today, Dino Day – a dinosaur-themed children’s event in Pencester Gardens – went ahead as planned.

In a post on X, the local authority said it was aware of a potential rally and is working with Kent Police.

“There is no current advice that anyone should change their usual behaviour,” it added.

“Dino Day is going ahead as planned and we hope to see lots of you there.”

A kebab shop and an estate agents in Dover also closed early.

More than 400 people have been arrested since disorder around England and Northern Ireland began last Tuesday night.

The violence was sparked by false claims about the identity of a teenager suspected of killing three young girls and injuring several others in a knife attack in Southport last week.

County councillor Sean Holden says those who have caused widespread disruption across the country are a mix of far-right sympathisers, opportunists and “people out for a laugh”.

The Conservative member for Cranbrook, who is stepping down next May, said: “The rioters need to be put down in the normal circumstances with law and order enforcement.

“We do not need new laws to match the circumstances because we already have sufficient laws to deal with them.

“This is not the breakdown of society and it’s not a civil war. I don’t believe that it will go on for very long.”

Leader of Medway Council Cllr Vince Maple said: "In Medway, we celebrate communities of different backgrounds and faiths and take pride in the fact we live peacefully and positively side by side. Medway is a safe place to live, work, learn and visit.

"We value and appreciate the partnership working with Kent Police. Medway is no place for hate."