English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been arrested by police while attending a march against antisemitism in London.

Fears had been raised that Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the march organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).

According to the CAA, 60,000 people are attending the National March Against Antisemitism in central London. It began at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand at 1:30pm before passing along Whitehall and ending at Parliament Square.

The Metropolitan Police had made clear in advance that Robinson was "not welcome" at the march, with the force warning that any offences "whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march" would be dealt with.

Video footage shows him arguing with officers for about 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.

Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during anti-Israel protests held on Armistice Day.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement they had arrested a 40-year-old man near the Royal Courts of Justice. 

In a statement, they added: "We have been in frequent contact with the organisers of the march in recent days.

"They have been clear about their concerns that the man's attendance, and that of those who were likely to accompany him, would cause fear for other participants.

"The same view has been voiced by others. As a result, he was spoken to and warned on more than one occasion that his continued presence in the area was likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others.

"He was directed to leave the area but refused to do so."