Dozens of officers injured at anti-immigration protests in London

Hundreds of protesters battled with police using "wholly unacceptable violence" in central London on Saturday in one of the UK's biggest right-wing demonstrations of modern times.

With over 110,000 protesting at the Unite the Kingdom rally, organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, scuffles broke out with bottles and other projectiles thrown at police. 

The police appeared to be taken by surprise by the size of the turnout, describing the rally as "too big to fit into Whitehall," a wide street lined with government buildings, on the approved route of the march.

'Robust action'

Tech billionaire Elon Musk also spoke to protesters on Whitehall via videolink, while 5,000 people joined a nearby counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism.

The police said 26 officers were injured, including four seriously. Arrests totalled 25, which the force said was "just the start."

"We are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks," Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said.

A huge policing operation was put in place in London with the Met deploying 1,000 officers and drafting in an extra 500 from other forces including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Devon and Cornwall.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers had "policed without fear or favor", knowing it would be challenging. "There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence."

He said officers had suffered broken teeth, concussion, a prolapsed disc, a head injury and a possible broken nose.

Scuffles broke out as police used batons to try and push back Robinson supporters gathered on the top of Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.

Prison release

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressed the crowds at the "freedom of speech festival" where he criticized politicians for "parroting" his ideas.

The 42-year-old was released from prison earlier this year after being jailed in October for ignoring an order not to repeat false claims about a Syrian refugee, who had successfully sued him for libel.

Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims. 

More than 28,000 migrants have arrived in small boats across the Channel so far this year.