Nigel Farage protest: Far-right activist Neil Erikson removed by police outside Melbourne speaking event

Far Right activist bundled away by police as protesters converge on former Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s Melbourne speaking event.

07/09/2018: Police try to separate protesters and supporters at a Nigel Farage speech at the Sofitel hotel in Melbourne. Stuart McEvoy/ The Australian.

Protesters have converged on Nigel Farage’s speaking event in Melbourne where a heavy police presence has sought to keep the peace.

One man was reportedly arrested and scuffles broke out as a group of left-wing anti-racism protesters converged on the Melbourne CBD’s Sofitel hotel where Mr Farage, a former leader of Britain’s UKIP party is due to speak tonight.

A larger number of police were present at the event, taking place in Melbourne up-market Collins street area.

Police have formed a line near the entrances to the hotel at Collins Place and on Collins Street.

Supporters of Mr Farage, wearing Make Australia Great Again hats have also arrived on the scene.

Far Right activist, Neil Erikson was bundled away by police.

The Australian observed some scuffles which were quickly shut down by police.

Victoria police has indicated the organisers of Mr Farage’s speaking tour will receive a bill for their presence.

Protesters form the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism had organised on social media to target the speaking event.

“Yes we are (charging Farage’s organisers for security),” a Victoria Police spokeswoman told The Australian.

“As per the Victoria Police (fees and charges) Regulations 2014, Victoria Police has the right to charge any event organiser for the use of police resources.”

Police arrest Far-right activist Neil Erikson outside the Sofitel.

Victoria Police has previously billed far-right activists Milos Yiannopoulos and Lauren Southern for security at their Melbourne events, to the reported cost of $50,000 and $68,000 respectively.

The police’s decision to charge for security came as news to the Farage event organiser Damien Costas.

“I’ve had no discussions with VICPOL regarding payment for Police presence regarding Mr Farage’s speaking event in Melbourne,” he told The Australian.

“It’s an international disgrace if the police in Victoria charge for protection of a member of the European Parliament … I’m not expecting a bill.”

Victoria Police said they would not comment on what they had discussed, or not discussed, the issue with Mr Farage’s team.

“Victoria Police does not disclose the cost of engaging our services, or the private discussions held as part of the arrangements.”

Far-left protesters had promised to protest Mr Farage, who was one of the leaders of the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign’s Leave campaign.

Nearly 300 people had indicated they would attend on Facebook.

The protesters counted for nearly 45 people tonight.

This morning, Campaign against Racism and Fascism spokesman Chris Di Pasquale told Melbourne’s 3AW radio that the protesters would be “loud” in their denunciation of the former UKIP leader.

“We want to have an anti-racist, loud vibrant protest, after which we’re going to go over and march over to where Chelsea Manning is due to be doing a live cross,” he said.

“If you’re going to go and support the far-right you need know that people are going to oppose that, because the far-right it beyond the pale.”

Police try to separate protesters and supporters. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Protesters surrounded Mr Costas as he came out to address the media, and chanted “Muslims are welcome / Racists are not” and “Come on, Nigel, You can’t hide / Come show us your Nazi side.”

Police have declared parts of the city special areas where they can use new search and stop powers. Officers used them on protesters tonight.

Victoria Police Commander Tim Hansen told 3AW earlier today they were also able to use new hi-tech nonlethal crowd control measures, if required.

“We’ve got really strong tactics and if we need to those exercise those, and certainly if we come under attack we will lift our response,” Commander Hansen said.

Commander Hansen also told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell that search and stop powers were necessary in such occasions as tonight’s protest.

“Every time we’ve executed it, we’ve found people in possession of weapons.”

Nigel Farage and former PM, Tony Abbott at the Anglo-Australian Forum organised by The Spectator Australia at Walsh Bay in Sydney. Picture: John Feder