Three people have been arrested at a rally by the anti-Islam Reclaim Australia group in central Sydney.

A man has been arrested for offensive behaviour and another for breaching the peace, while a woman has been taken into custody for assaulting police, a police spokeswoman said.

• Protesters clash in Melbourne
• Groups clash at anti-racism rally
• Cory Bernardi defends anti-Islam rallies

It’s believed the woman, who was the first arrested, was among anti-racism protesters who turned up to oppose Reclaim Australia.

Police had warned those attending the Sydney protests that anti-social or dangerous behaviour wouldn’t be tolerated.

Officers were closely watching both groups and several units of mounted police are also patrolling the area.

Banners reading “stand with multiculturalism against racism” and “no racism, no Islamophobia” were held high by the louder, larger group of anti-racism protesters.

Several people with the Australian flag had gathered at the other end of Martin Place, with police trying to keep a two-block gap between the groups.

Opposing rallies are also planned for other cities including Canberra, Hobart, Perth and Mackay in Queensland, where federal government MP George Christensen and Pauline Hanson are among Reclaim Australia’s scheduled speakers.

One person has been treated for minor injuries at the Sydney protests but no one has been seriously hurt, a paramedic said.