Kent’s crime commissioner has promised a review of how the force dealt with rival marches in Dover that led to violent clashes and several arrests.

Commissioner Ann Barnes has defended the way the force had dealt with the disturbances, saying a detailed assessment of the impact the rallies could have on the town was made, using “all the available intelligence”.

She has also warned that the county was likely to see similar marches and demonstrations in the coming months in the run up to the referendum on the EU.

Speaking at a meeting of Kent and Medway’s Crime Panel, she said everything had been done ahead of the marches that descended into violent clashes and arrests.

But she also acknowledged that with hindsight it may have been better to have had the two rallies on separate days.

“There will be a review of the operation, as there always is, to see if lessons can be learned. There was a high-level detailed impact assessment.

"It did not reach the threshold for [the marches] being banned by the Home Secretary.”

She added that the policing costs - involving 400 officers - were significant and she did not expect “to get much change out of £250,000.”

Kent Police were obliged by law to facilitate marches and the right to peaceful protests, she added.

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke has criticised the way the marches were handled and says that both Kent Police and the commissioner had “serious questions” to answer.

The protests led to clashes between far-right protestors and anti-facist groups.

Six people were hurt, nine arrested and 20 weapons were confiscated during the disturbances.