Around 50 people have gathered in south London with the intention of “causing disruption and fuel disorder”, police have said.
The Met said the yobs have dragged and thrown objects down the road while throwing bottles at officers.
A police spokesperson said the disorder “is not linked to protest”.
Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences.
The force said more arrests will follow.
According to the Met, around 50 people gathered in south London this evening.
In a post on social media, they said: “They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder.
“They’ve dragged and thrown objects down the road, and thrown bottles at officers.
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“This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure anti-social behaviour.
“Officers are moving in numbers to make arrests.”
It comes after thousands of anti-racism protesters took to the streets up and down England this evening.
Yvette Cooper has thanked police for their response to planned protests across the country.
Yvette Cooper has thanked police for their response to planned protests across the country
PA
The Home Secretary said on social media: “Thank you to all the police officers working tonight to protect and support local communities.”
Large crowds of anti-racism protesters have gathered in Waltham Forest and North Finchley, police said.
The Metropolitan Police said demonstrators were “engaging with officers who are at both locations”.
“We continue to have teams across the capital monitoring events,” the force said.
