Toronto police officer allegedly assaulted during protest at Christie Pits Park

Multiple people have been arrested at a pro- and anti-immigration demonstration in Toronto as the opposing groups faced off at a park.

Police have released new details about the arrests that were made amid a protest and counter-protest that unfolded at Christie Pits Park over the weekend.

Toronto police say officers attended a demonstration in the park at around 11 a.m. on Saturday.

CTV News has previously reported that anti-immigration demonstrators had gathered at Christie Pits for an event dubbed the “Canada First Rally.”

Demonstrators were seen holding Canadian flags as they marched along Bloor Street West.

Police say they attended the scene to provide direction to the participants to have them move along to ease traffic in the area.

Hundreds of counter protestors also attended the park. At one point, the two groups clashed.

Police allege participants assaulted others and damaged property. They add that some protesters allegedly became combative and a Toronto police officer was assaulted as a result.

Toronto police did not say whether the officer sustained any injuries.

In a news release issued on Monday, police say they charged 28-year-old Shemar Russell with assault of a peace officer. The charge has not been tested in court.

Authorities say they arrested eight other people following the demonstration, who range in age from 18 to 58 years.

They face various charges, including assault, causing a disturbance, mischief and weapons dangerous.

For a full list of the individuals taken into custody and the charges they are facing follow this link.

The charges have not been tested in court.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.