Three people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following clashes outside a Merseyside hotel providing refuge for asylum seekers.
A police van was set on fire after a rally against refugees and a counter-protest by pro-migrant groups took place near the Suites Hotel, Knowsley.
Police said missiles were thrown at officers but there were no injuries.
Protesters and counter protesters gathered at the hotel in the Ribblers Lane area at 18:30 GMT, they added.
The Suites had been previously named as accommodation where asylum seekers are being housed.
A couple of hours into the action, the “initially peaceful” protest grew violent, Merseyside Police said, leading to additional officers being called to the area.
Knowsley MP Sir George Howarth called for calm, saying: “I have referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which has triggered a demonstration outside the Suites Hotel, to Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council.”
Until the police have investigated the matter, it is too soon to jump to conclusions, and the effort on the part of some to inflame the situation is emphatically wrong.”
Sir George added: “Those demonstrating against refugees at this protest tonight do not represent this community.”
The BBC is yet to establish the nature of the protest. (BBC)