A COUNCIL has hit back at Katie Hopkins protesters branding them trouble makers intent on violence.

Lewes Town Council released a statement after coming in for criticism for not moving the controversial talk on Saturday from the All Saints Centre.

The event was cancelled at the last minute as the anti-Hopkins protesters clashed with security, police and ticket holders.

The demonstrators said they felt they had “done their job” by causing the controverisal columnist’s talk about her new book, Rude, to be cancelled.

But in a two-page statement, Lewes Town Council clerk Steve Brigden criticised the protesters. He said: “They began shouting, chanting, sounding wind instruments and air-horns and holding placards. This group included young children, some in travel buggies, also holding placards.

“Initially the chants and drumbeats were not heard inside the venue, although there was verbal abuse directed toward the security team, and further numbers seen to be arriving.

“This was anticipated and, provided the entrance was not obstructed for legitimate attendees, would have caused no conflict despite being technically illegal behaviour within a graveyard and a breach of ‘peaceful protest’ guidelines.

“As ticket-holders for the Hopkins presentation began to arrive, however, they were assaulted, abused and had eggs thrown at them.”

The council said a red substance resembling blood was put on the doors of the church and a ladder was also found positioned ready to scale the graveyard wall at its highest point.

He accused the protesters of being “obviously intent on violence”. He said some wore balaclavas and attempted to gain entry to the building.

He also said several audience members, including elderly people, leaving an earlier talk were assaulted as they tried to leave the graveyard.

Police arrived and shortly before Ms Hopkins was due to give her talk at 6.45pm, she was shepherded away by security.

Police said they had to call off the event due to fears for her safety as well as public safety.

The columnist also accused the protesters of violence, something they have disputed.

Protester Marina Pepper told The Argus earlier this week that it was supporters of Hopkins who were violent and causing trouble.