Regarding the Section 60AA order, the police said: “These powers may be used by officers involved in today’s protests as part of our overall aim of facilitating peaceful protest whilst preventing crime and disorder and balancing the rights of others.”
The two groups took different routes to march around Exeter city centre, with Exeter is for Everyone taking a short route from Bedford Square and the British Unity Walk setting off from Dix’s Field on a longer course.
BBC Spotlight reporter Scott Bingham said the two groups came together at Bedford Square with “a fair amount of shouting”.
He said: “About 800 people turned out for Exeter is for Everyone in response to the anti-immigration British Unity Walk, which had about 150 people.”
Police said the protests were peaceful overall and did not confirm if any arrests were made.