Anti-Nazi protesters blocked streets and rail lines into Dresden and hurled missiles and insults at far-right demonstrators on the 65th anniversary of the allied bombing raids that destroyed the once beautiful German city.

Security is tight in Dresden as left-wing groups attempt to disrupt a neo-Nazi rally.

Thousands of extreme right-wing supporters poured into Dresden to take part in what the organisers are calling the “mourning march”.

The far-right have been staging rallies in the city to mark the occasion since the 1990s. They believe the bombing of Dresden was a war crime.

Democrats claim the right is exploiting the city’s painful past for its own end.

As many as 4,000 police are on streets as the authorities strive to keep the two sides apart.

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