‘I’ve just been assaulted’: Moment GB News reporter Sophie Reaper 'assaulted' by counter protesters as she tries to report on anti-migrant demonstrations

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After speaking to several anti-migrant hotel protesters, Sophie crossed the divide to find out what Stand Up to Racism protesters had to say.

Scenes of chaos ensued with demonstrators telling her to “go away” and “go back to your side”.

Another held their Stand Up to Racism placard in front of the GB News camera in an attempt to disrupt live coverage of the demonstration.

Tensions came to a head when Sophie appeared to be struck by a placard, forcing her security guard to jump in.

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“I’ve just been hit by a placard on the head by one of these counter protesters”, she said.

“We are just trying to give them the opportunity to have their side. Police are now having to jump in.

“We have just been assaulted by one of these counter protesters. We’re just going to step out because things have got rather dicey.”

Police were also forced to jump in as they desperately sought to defuse the situation.

Protests are expected across the country this weekend with Metropolitan Police units mobilising in anticipation of disorder.

Protests come in the wake of asylum seekers being transported to a London hotel during the early morning of 2 August.

Nationwide demonstrations are set to unfold this weekend at various facilities housing migrants, with activist organisation Stand Up to Racism coordinating rallies alongside separate gatherings by those who oppose converting hotels into asylum accommodation.

The competing protests reflect deepening divisions over refugee housing policies across the UK.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the country are implementing heightened security measures as both supporting and opposing factions prepare to converge on multiple locations.

The simultaneous demonstrations raise concerns about potential confrontations between rival groups at accommodation sites, prompting police forces to coordinate their response strategies for what could become a volatile weekend of activism.

Sophie later took to Instagram to share a statement about the shocking ordeal.

She told followers: "Whilst covering a protest / counter protest in Altrincham tonight, I was assaulted by a member of Stand Up to Racism. Whilst live on air, attempting to get both sides of the story, I was hit on the head with a metal pole.

"Aside from a painful lump on my head and being a bit shaken up, I’m totally fine, But I have given a statement to Greater Manchester Police, as I think it’s a disgrace anyone feels they can be violent towards me for just doing my job.”