Washington, Aug 20 (IANS): Thousands of people poured onto the streets of Boston to demonstrate against racism and hate, one week after race-related protests turned violent in Charlottesville.

The crowd chanted anti-Nazi slogans and waved signs condemning white nationalism as it made its way in downtown Boston on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The event was organised in response to a fatal clash between white nationalists and leftist activists in Virginia last Saturday that resulted in the death of a female and two police officers.

Conservative groups also staged protests in Boston, but the rally broke up earlier than expected due to an unknown reason.

The conservatives said they stood apart from the white nationalists and neo-Nazis that was seen in Charlottesville, and their message was to promote freedom of speech.

To pacify the event, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said 500 police officers have been dispatched to the scene to keep conflicting groups apart.

Minor scuffles were seen in the crowd between activists and between police and activists, but the protests remained largely peaceful.

Massachusetts's Republican Governor Charlie Baker said extremism has no place in Boston.