Thousands of counter-protesters rally after UK riots

Thousands of anti-racism protesters have rallied in cities and towns across England after a week of anti-immigrant rioting and disorder, reports BBC.

Gatherings in locations where anti-immigration protests had been expected - including north London, Bristol and Newcastle - were largely peaceful, with counter-protesters chanting "refugees are welcome here" forming the bulk of the crowds.

Police had been braced for further violence, with thousands of officers deployed and more than 100 events anticipated.

Rioting was sparked by misinformation online that the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three little girls in Southport on 29 July was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were among places targeted during the disorder, with some shops burnt out and looted.

On Wednesday, on high streets across England, shop owners had boarded up windows and closed early in anticipation of further violence.

Immigration lawyers had been told by police to work from home after lists of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies were shared in chat groups as possible targets._Agencies.