PROTESTERS in Oxfordshire demonstrated against Donald Trump as he was sworn is as President of the USA.

The 'Bridges, Not Walls' group held protests around Oxford and in Abingdon, with another holding a demonstration outside Carfax Tower in the evening.

The event outside Carfax Tower was organised by Stand Up to Racism, which has accused Mr Trump of using inflammatory language against migrants.

Oxford Mail:

Stand Up to Racism spokesman Weyman Bennett said: “Trump’s campaign for president was marked by constant scapegoating of migrants, with a key slogan ‘build a wall’ to keep out Mexican workers and attacks on America’s Muslim community.

"We cannot allow these ideas to become acceptable.”

Banners bearing the legend 'Bridges Not Walls' were hung on the Bridge of Sighs, Botley Road railway bridge, Magdalen Bridge and Abingdon Bridge this morning.

More than 50 people gathered at 10am for the Abingdon event, organised by the town's 'More in Common' group, in which participants held up posters calling for 'unity'.

Oxford Mail:

Picture: Damian Halliwell 

Organiser Emma Beacham said she was pleased with the turnout.

The 45-year-old mum-of-two said: "This is about trying to overcome divisions that could be created by Trump's presidency.

"We were very well supported by the community, including members of Abingdon Peace Group."

Teacher Leah Kendry, 36, from Abingdon, was on the bridge with son Arthur, six months.

She said: "I come from Atlanta in the States.

"I feel like Trump has empowered others to be divisive.

"People here want a more positive outlook."

Simon Reid, 31, a freelance illustrator from Abingdon, said: "None of us had a vote in the American election but today's catastrophe could affect us all - the ramifications could stretch globally."

Stephen Hale, 45, from Sutton Courtenay, who runs the Refugee Action charity, said: "There is not much you can do in Abingdon about Donald Trump but it is important for people on this day to share how they feel and how they feel the world can move forward."

Mr Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the USA earlier today.

Hundreds of thousands of people clogged America’s capital for the occasion, which was televised across the world.

In his first speech as president, Mr Trump told supporters: "We the citizens of America are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people," said the new president.

"Together we will determine the course of America and the world for many, many years to come.

"We will face challenges, we will confront hardships, but we will get the job done."

President Barack Obama and former president George W Bush attended.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who was the first British politician to meet Mr Trump after his election victory, travelled to Washington for the ceremony.

Meanwhile, one Oxford schoolboy will also be there to witness history.