Supporters of far-right activist rally in London

Far-right activists are restrained by police in central London. Photo / AP

Police in London kept supporters of far-right activist Tommy Robinson away from counter-demonstrators yesterday, as shoppers and tourists in one of the capital's main shopping districts gawked at the spectacle.

Singing "We want Tommy out" and waving flags, the pro-Robinson camp congregated outside the Oxford Circus subway station to demand his release from prison.

Police imposed strict conditions on their demonstration, as well as on a counter-demonstration organised by an anti-fascist pressure group, Stand Up To Racism.

Supporters of far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon known as Tommy Robinson gather in Oxford Street, London. Photo / AP

The rival groups only were allowed to congregate in certain areas for set lengths of time. Officers and vans separated the two sides.

Authorities warned that violence would be dealt with "swiftly and robustly".

Robinson, 36, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, co-founded the anti-Islam English Defence League.

He received a nine-month prison sentence for contempt of court last month for posting live video on social media of criminal defendants accused of sexually abusing teen girls.

Supporters of far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon known as Tommy Robinson gather to protest. Photo / AP

Robinson claimed to have been exposing alleged "Muslim rape gangs" when he recorded the men outside a courthouse in violation of an order intended to ensure fair trials.

- AP