Violent clashes have erupted during counter-rallies held across Australia by anti-racism activists and a rival group of Reclaim Australia demonstrators.

Several hundred anti-Islam and anti-immigration Reclaim Australia demonstrators and anti-racism campaigners clashed at a rally in Melton, the proposed site of a mosque in Melbourne’s western outskirts, on Sunday.

Police made seven arrests during the Melton demonstration, including a man who attacked a police horse.

Three men were detained for possessing a weapon and two others were arrested for riotous behavior.

The Reclaim demonstrators, some covering their faces with Australian flags and scarves, sang the national anthem and chanted “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie,” while counter-protesters from refugee and anti-racism groups responded with “Muslims are welcome, racists are not” chants.

In Sydney, a demonstration under the name of Reclaim Australia Rally at Martin Place was held. At least one person was arrested.

About 250 protesters supporting the Refugee Action Coalition staged a rival demonstration, chanting pro-diversity and pro-demonstration slogans.

“Next time we are going to make sure we have the numbers to demonstrate no matter what police say,” one man called over a loudspeaker, adding, “See you next time in Cronulla.”

Dozens of police, including mounted and riot squad officers, were present at the scene to prevent the rival groups from clashing.

Smaller protest rallies were also held in the cities of Brisbane and Canberra.

The Reclaim Australia movement has already staged several rallies in Australia, which witnessed violence and were attended by white supremacists and demonstrators with Nazi tattoos.