Hundreds of protesters block neo-Nazi march in Berlin

A large crowd took to the streets of Berlin on Saturday in opposition to a demonstration staged by around 100 neo-Nazis.

More than 1,000 counter-demonstrators gathered at several locations around the planned right-wing procession in the central Mitte district, a police spokesman said.

According to the authorities, the neo-Nazi march set off at around midday on a route leading from the Friedrichstrasse station westward to the city's main railway station. 

Participants in the counter-protest repeatedly tried to obstruct with sit-in blockades, bringing the march to a standstill again and again.

The atmosphere grew heated due to the proximity of both camps, especially on the historic Friedrichstrasse thoroughfare, when the counter-marchers gathered behind the smaller group.

Police intervened to separate the two sides. 

The organizers of the neo-Nazi demonstration previously staged a march in Berlin in December, which also drew extensive counter-protests.

Neo-Nazis who had travelled to the south of Berlin attacked and injured people who were on their way to counter-demonstrations.

The alleged perpetrators were teenagers and young men from the eastern city of Halle.