Sunderland riot and protests today latest: Far-right sets fire to police station as more violence feared in Manchester

Photos show people holding signs reading ‘no to racism, no to fascism’ signs in the counter-protest in Manchester, where an estimated 500 people have turned up.

There are chants of ‘Tommy Robinson‘ heard from the protesting group – estimated to have around 150 activists – and ‘whose streets? our streets’ from the counter side, of around 350 people.

Others show people with hoods up and masks covering their faces – except for one man who posed for the camera as he was detained by the police.

A dispersal notice has been authorised across Manchester city centre in order to assist police in dealing with protests, Greater Manchester Police have said.

The section 34 notice will mean officers have powers to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour until 7pm on Saturday.

Chief Inspector Natasha Evans said: “These powers have been authorised to make sure we can continue to provide and facilitate the right to any peaceful protests that have been organised.

“Our officers will be able to instruct and advise anyone who is causing or very likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area immediately.

“People have a legal right to participate in peaceful protest, however where people are intent on breaking the law, we will take action.”

A defiant Scouse pensioner held a “Nans against Nazis” sign as a crowd gathered outside a mosque in Liverpool following rumours of a far-right protest there on Friday, 2 August.

Pat, 70, said she began protesting 50 years ago, against the National Front. Speaking outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, she said: “Someone said to me ‘you’re too old, don’t be doing this’ but as long as they’re here someone’s got to do it.”

It comes as violent disorder spread across the UK this week following misinformation on social media about a stabbing attack on Monday in Southport, Merseyside, in which three children were killed.

The teenager accused of murdering three girls in Southport once starred as Doctor Who in a BBC Children In Need advert, according to reports.

In a now-deleted clip promoting the charity from 2018, Axel Rudakubana is seen leaving the Tardis dressed as The Doctor, wearing a trench coat and tie to look like the show’s former star David Tennant.

The then 11-year-old tells viewers “It’s that time of year again”, before offering advice on how best to raise money.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has shared a post on his X account, saying “we cannot let rioting thugs and extremists win”.

He urged the government to “back our police to do what is necessary to maintain law and order and stop any further escalation”.

Far-right rioters have been told they will face the full force of the law as police brace for a weekend of violence, with 35 protests planned in the wake of the killing of three children in Southport.

In a warning to organisers, Home Office minister Lord Hanson vowed “we will be watching you” to prevent the “summer madness” from spreading following a string of violent clashes, as police chiefs said they will not tolerate far-right thugs exploiting the nation’s grief.

Dozens of demonstrations planned across the country have stoked fears of widespread unrest amid rising far-right anger over Monday’s atrocity, which saw three girls aged nine, seven and six fatally stabbed and eight more wounded at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.