Arrest after Oxford Union Robinson debate protest

BBC A row of police officers stand in the street in front of a group of people holding union flags.BBC
The groups gathered at either end of St Michael's Street on Wednesday where the event took place

A man has been arrested after protesters gathered in Oxford city centre over Tommy Robinson's involvement in a debate at the Oxford Union.

The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, took part in a debate about Islam on Wednesday evening. His invitation sparked widespread condemnation.

About 200 protesters opposing the event took to the end of St Michael's Street where barriers had been put in place. A smaller group gathered holding union flags - both were kept apart by a line of police. Some businesses closed ahead of the protests.

Thames Valley Police said a 20-year-old man from Kent had been arrested on suspicion of assault by beating. He remains in custody.

Protesters separated by police.
Police lined the road to keep the two groups apart on Wednesday evening

Thames Valley Police said the demonstrations went ahead without "significant incident" and thanked those who worked with officers to keep the protest peaceful.

The Oxford Union is a student society dating back more than 200 years. It has a reputation for hosting controversial speakers - ranging from OJ Simpson to Gerry Adams.

Inviting people to take part traditionally falls to the Union's president - currently Arwa Elrayess - who serves for just a single eight-week academic term.

The Union is run completely independently of the University of Oxford.