Thousands gather in "unity rallies" across the UK following riots

Thousands of protestors have gathered across the country in "unity rallies" against the far-right following riots that engulfed the country.

Violent protests took place in cities across the UK last week following the stabbing of three young girls in Southport last month.

Following a vigil for the girls on Tuesday (July 30th), riots broke out on the streets of the town after false information that the suspect was Muslim - which led to the town's mosque being targeted.

As a result, further violent protests erupted by far-right demonstrators, including the torching of a hotel in Rotherham, where property was significantly damaged.

Since then, counter-protests have taken place across the country in response to the riots, stating that refugees are welcome in the hopes of stemming the growth of the far-right.

In Manchester, hundreds gathered in the city centre for a rally organised by Stand Up to Racism, with speakers addressing the crowd.

Several demonstrators spoke to this station about the need to quell the rise of the far-right, with many saying it does not reflect the views of the UK as a whole.

"We need to show solidarity with those that have been targeted," one protestor said as another added: "It is the minority that feel the hatred and it's the majority that feel the love and the welcoming for refugees."

Another protestor explained: "Without immigration and without refugees, Manchester would not be the Manchester that it is now.

"We've always been a friendly bunch up North and we want that to be known, that it applies across the world."

Officers have been placed on standby across the country in anticipation of potential clashes between far-right protestors and counter-demonstrators.

It comes as King Charles III appealed for "unity" and togetherness ahead of the weekend, with the potential for more flare ups in violence.

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