Anarchy has broken out on the doorstep of Croydon’s Lunar House immigration centre as anti-fascist protesters clashed with members of the BNP.

The planned BNP demonstration took just minutes to collapse into chaos as 20 hooded and masked members of the 'Anti Fascists Hooligans' broke through police lines and grappled with national party supporters.

About 30 riot police swooped to stop the brawl escalating beyond minor scuffles after violence broke out just after 2pm this afternoon.

Antifascist campaigner Oscar Liddle, 20, said: “We’re proud to be protesting against the Nazi BNP.

“We’re here to let them know we’re not standing for any of their garbage.

“Most people appreciate the diversity, (the BNP) are the minority.”

BNP members were banned from speaking to our reporter at the scene, but 72-year-old Margaret Williams broke ranks to give her view on the demonstration.

She said: ”It’s one law for the British and one law for the foreigners that come into the country.

“It’s not right that people come into this country and set up their own laws.

“I’ve lived in this country my whole life and it’s changing in front of my eyes.

“I used to be a primary school teacher in Lambeth, so I’m a very ordinary working class person.”

BNP election candidate Charlotte Lewis showed her face at the demonstration despite being pictured hours earlier on this website wearing a burqa as fancy dress and swigging alcopops at a Halloween party.

When asked why she had not chosen to wear a burqa to today’s demontration, the Shirley ward candidate said: “It’s not Halloween.”

Antifascists had been planning the protest for several days after the BNP’s plans were leaked to Internet messageboards and forums.

Were you at the protest? Contact Mike Didymus on 020 8330 9556 or email pictures to mdidymus@london.newsquest.co.uk