UK riots and protests live: Far-right march in Manchester as UK braces for more violence after Sunderland and Southport disorder

Hundreds of people have gathered at the front of Belfast City Hall for an anti-racism rally.

Activist group Unity over division have taken to the streets of Belfast with placards that read: “Say no to facism is Northern Ireland” and “Destroy racism”.

Bob Marley’s “greatest hits” could also be heard playing from speakers.

Hundreds of protesters have turned up to a protest in Manchester, with far-right and anti-racist groups gathering amid fears of more violence.

Crowds of counter-protesters have also taken to the streets, chanting: “Grieving families are in pain! No racist violence in their name!”

A Northumbria police chief has warned that those involved in Friday’s violence in Sunderland should “expect to be met with the full force of the law”.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said a full investigation is now under way to identify those responsible.

“Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law,” he said.

He condemned the “attempt to drive division amongst us” and said “we are committed to make sure that doesn’t happen”.

A Sunderland resident who took part in clean-up efforts has said he is “ashamed and “embarrassed” after disorder broke out in his home city on Friday.

Brett Redmayne, 43, saw the aftermath of the riots on Saturday morning after a police station was set alight and photos on social media show a blackened Citizens Advice Bureau office which appears to have caught fire.

Mr Redmayne told the PA news agency: “The atmosphere around the city with the hundreds that showed up was one of support and unity.

“These people who rioted don’t speak for Sunderland and we are ashamed and embarrassed. This morning, though, we all wanted to show support and help clean the city.”

He added the people of Sunderland were efficient at clearing any “broken glass” and “smashed windows” that scattered the streets, but also praised Sunderland City Council for its help in the clean-up efforts.

“Apart from broken glass, the burnt-out building and car, the council and local people have cleaned everything off very fast. I saw smashed windows and glass, but the council had worked hard as well through the night to clean a lot up, credit has to go to Sunderland Council.”

Hundreds of people have gathered at the front of Belfast City Hall for an anti-racism rally.

The event has been organised in response to social media calls for anti-Islamic protests to be staged in Northern Ireland.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) previously said it was aware of social media posts calling for protests including “specific calls to block roads using women and children”.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said anti-Islamic protests would be “policed effectively” if they do materialise.

A number of Christian church leaders in Northern Ireland also released statements condemning calls for protests.

Hundreds of protesters have turned up to a protest in Manchester, with far-right and anti-racist groups gathering amid fears of more violence.

Chants of “Tommy Robinson” could be heard from the protesting group – estimated to have around 150 activists – and “whose streets? our streets” from the counter side, of around 350 people.

Photos also show people holding signs reading “no to racism, no to fascism” signs at the counter-protest in Manchester on Saturday.

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.