A hammer and other weapons are believed to have been used when anti-fascist activists and members of the far-right National Party clashed at one of the north's most prestigious hotels at the weekend.
Six people were injured during a "large altercation" at the five-star Lough Erne Resort, near Enniskillen, on Sunday during the anti-immigration National Party's Ard Fheis.
In 2013 the resort made global headlines when it hosted the G8 Summit of world leaders.
The National Party, which is organised across the 32 counties, is known for its extreme right wing views.
The Irish News understands that plans to disrupt Sunday's event were drawn up last week by far-left anti-fascist activists.
It has been claimed that during the confrontation various weapons were produced including a hammer and fire extinguisher.
It is believed that one National Party member who was unable to escape the anti-fascists was attacked as colleagues took cover in a nearby function room.
Sources say that members of the National Party later emerged from the room, which is close to the main hotel building, and a series of clashes broke out between the two factions.
Two people were later treated at the scene for injuries while four were taken to hospital.
Police say a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
It is understood that after the altercation members of the National Party returned to the function room where they continued with the Ard-Fheis.
Tensions between the far-right and far-left wing groups have been rising over recent years across Ireland.
However, the violent clashes at the week marks a clear escalation in the ideological battle.
Founded in 2016 the National Party, which is led by Justin Barrett, currently has no elected members.
As well as being anti-immigrant it had strong views on Covid-19 vaccination and lockdown rules.
Belfast Anti-Fascists Facebook page last night claimed Sunday's event was "disrupted" by activists from "Belfast, Derry and beyond".
"This party have tried and failed on numerous occasions to establish a base within Belfast," it wrote.
"On two occasions their stalls have been shut down by activists in the city centre and at the Kennedy Centre in west Belfast."
In a post on its Twitter page the National Party wrote: "The far-left in Ireland feel entitled to bludgeon people with hammers in broad daylight.
"Why? Because the NGO sector and media establishment give it moral sanction.
"The same people demand 'hate speech' legislation to create a two-tier justice system where they are on top."
West Belfast People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll last night said "it is deeply concerning that elements of the far-right are attempting to organise locally".
“Organisations like the National Party offer absolutely nothing to working class communities," he said.
"Their attempts to scapegoat minorities for the hardships we collectively face are abhorrent and must be opposed.
“Immigrants, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are welcome here - the far-right is not.”
Mr Carroll added that there is a need to "build a broad movement that empowers everyone in our communities to effectively oppose the far-right.”
In a statement last night Lough Erne Resort described the incident as "deeply regrettable" adding that it has "shocked staff".
"We do not facilitate or tolerate behaviour of this type at the resort," the statement said.
"The health and safety of our staff and guests, along with our guest experience is paramount, and we will therefore be increasing our levels of due diligence in relation to private conference bookings in the future."
