UGLY scenes broke out between the BNP and anti-fascist protestors just minutes before scores of veterans were due to arrive at St George’s Hall for a St George’s Day tea dance.

The far-right party hurled abuse at students and campaigners who attempted to hand-out anti-extremist literature, shouting “You stink!” and “Have a wash!” at the peaceful protestors.

Police attended and arrested two men on suspicion of assault after an allegation someone was struck with a piece of camera equipment.

University of Liverpool Guild of Students president Danielle Garrity said: “They shouting at us to have a wash and we just giggled at them, which seemed to annoy them.

“The more we laughed the more they shouted abuse at us.”

A spokesman for the council said it had had to disperse the crowds to make way for the event.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to Lime Street, close to the junction of St Georges Place, following a complaint from a member of the public that they had been assaulted.

“Enquiries were made and two men have subsequently been arrested on suspicion of assault.”