AfD event in German city of Essen disrupted by beeps and protesters

An event organized by Alternative for Germany (AfD) politicians in the western city of Essen was disrupted several times by beeping electronic devices and protesters on Thursday.

Speeches by members of the far-right party, which saw a surge in votes in two eastern German state elections on Sunday, were interrupted by noises from the middle of the audience in Essen's Philharmonic hall.

Some of the around 200 people in the crowd then started shouting slogans such as "Fascists out" and "Nazis out."

The protesters were removed from the hall by security staff and an estimated 25 mini-electronic devices were found under seats.

Around 4,000 people had gathered outside the venue to protest against the anti-immigration AfD. They cheered the disruptors as they were led out.