CONTROVERSIAL far-right activist, Tommy Robinson, arrived in Blackburn on Tuesday night, ahead of the European elections.

Mr Robinson, who was former leader of the English Defence League (EDL), was in town as part of a campaign trail as he attempts to become the first independent candidate to be elected to the European parliament.

Standing as a candidate for the North West, he met crowds on Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn at 8pm.

A strong police presence was in the area, including two riot vans, at least three police cars and several officers on foot.

Arriving in a blacked out van, more than 100 supporters, made their way to the makeshift stage, where he was due to give his speech.

One supporter, Simon Chapman, who had travelled from Preston, said he viewed the Euro hopeful in the same light as President Trump, saying, 'they are both great men'.

Mr Robinson addressed the crowd for around 40 minutes before heading off stage.

During his speech he detailed how he had never voted, but it was now time to unite, saying 'more people need to get involved with politics'.

Mr Robinson also accused the media of taking his voice and said 'it's time the people took back this country'.

References to Islam were made, and Mr Robinson accused the Greater Manchester Police of working alongside an Islamic extremist group.

Despite the overwhelming support, two counter-protesters attended in opposition to the former EDL leader.

Marley Gallacher, 24, who lives close to Fishmoor Drive, had brought a sign which read 'equality is a necessity'.

She said: "I have been fighting fascists my whole life and not everything he says is true.

"He's using a pre-existing prejudice in the North West to push his political agenda.

"He's a narcissist who's using the crowds to feed his own ego."

Despite some hostility towards Miss Gallacher from pro-Robinson supporters, the police were quick to disperse any signs of aggression or intimidation.

Mr Robinson, who had cancelled his original Blackburn appearance earlier this month, appeared in Burnley just two hours before staging his rally in Fishmoor Drive.

It is understood there were several more counter-protesters at the Burnley rally, however, police managed to control the crowds and no-one was hurt.

A peaceful protest led by Burnley Green Party councillor Andy Fewings, had been staged in Burnley town centre just hours before Mr Robinson's arrival on Tuesday evening.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, appeared in Oldham last Saturday, and was met with hostile retaliation as demonstrators hurled bricks and eggs at the Euro candidate.

The European elections take place tomorrow and counting will take place on Sunday.