Chaos erupted in Manchester on Wednesday evening as pro-Tehran supporters and anti-regime demonstrators faced off during a candlelit vigil for Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The vigil was held at 8pm in the city centre in memory of the former Supreme Leader, who oversaw a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests earlier this year.
Posters said the event was supported by the Friends of Islamic Centre of Manchester.
Around 100 mourners gathered at the vigil, where a handwritten sign read: "You can kill a man but you can’t kill an ideology."
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Another sign beside a photograph of the Ayatollah said: "My enemies have the support of each other to kill me, O Heart warming love… I have only your support, loyal to Ayatollah Khamenei".
The vigil was met by a larger counter-protest of around 300 to 400 people who played loud music, chanted and appeared to celebrate the American intervention in Iran.
Anti-regime protesters waved US and Israeli flags, as well as the pre-1979 Iranian flag, and were kept separate from the vigil by dozens of Greater Manchester Police officers.
Some protesters burned a photograph of the late Supreme Leader and displayed a framed picture of President Donald Trump.
Counter protesters light a picture of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on fire in Manchester
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A table at the Manchester vigil, with signs featuring quotes from the Ayatollah and pictures of the deceased Supreme Leader
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Others danced to the Village People’s YMCA, a song frequently played at Donald Trump’s campaign rallies.
Meanwhile, vigil attendees laid flowers and candles outside the Islamic Centre and left messages reading "we stand with the revolution".
One pro-Tehran demonstrator burned a photograph of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tensions briefly flared as the two groups shouted at each other before police intervened to separate them.
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'You can kill a man but you can’t kill an ideology' seen laid on a table commemorate the deceased Iranian leader
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PICTURED: Counter-protesters waving Israeli and pre-1979 Iranian flags in Manchester
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Speaking ahead of the vigil, Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said officers were aware of the potential for clashes.
He said: "The events in the Middle East are significant for those in Greater Manchester with ties to Iran and the wider region. It is understandable that these evoke a range of views and emotions.
"We are aware of plans for a vigil and a nearby counter-protest in the city centre on Wednesday night. We are engaging with those involved as well as our partners at Manchester City Council."
Mr Sykes said police could not prevent the gathering from going ahead despite concerns.
Counter-protesters beat drums and held the picture of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran
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Manchester police divided the anti-regime protesters from the pro-Tehran protesters
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He said officers cannot stop lawful gatherings "unless there is a clear risk to life and property".
Other vigils were held across the UK, including one advertised at the Islamic Centre of England in north London.
In promotional material, the centre said it was "with deep sorrow and heartbreak" inviting London’s Muslim community to "mourn the martyrdom" of the late Ayatollah.
Mr Sykes said police had received assurances from both sides that the vigil and counter-protest would "remain peaceful".
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