Furious Germans condemned Ms Merkel, waving German flags and chanting 'Merkel must go' and 'Traitor to the people'. Around 5,000 people turned out for the anti-migration march, organised by the eurosceptic, populist-nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party under the banner 'Asylum has its limits - red card for Merkel'. 'We are demonstrating against the asylum chaos caused by Angela Merkel,' AfD member and European Parliament deputy Beatrix von Storch said at the rally.

Five counter-protests in support of migrants saw a turn-out of around 800 people, despite organisers' hopes that several thousand would attend. Activists protesting the anti-immigration protest found themselves targeted by police wielding pepper spray, as they attempted to break up the simultaneous demonstrations. More than 40 people were arrested and one officer was lightly wounded after the violence broke out.

Tommy Robinson, the 32-year-old founder of the far-right group, told protesters: 'Do not let Germany be dragged back to chaos and destruction. All of your progress is now threatened. Your current chancellor, Angela Merkel, seems to be handing out the birth right of German citizens like she is handing out candy to children.'

He continued: 'I encourage you people to refuse the shame game. Refuse to feel guilty. Germany is not obliged to save the refugee crisis. This current immigration is an invasion. Our borders are being overrun. There is little or no control. A country that cannot control its borders will soon not be a country.'