A far-right protest is due to take place on Preston’s Flag Market during Saturday afternoon.

Preston City Council has confirmed they ‘understand a protest is being planned for 2pm on the Flag Market’.

Update: Small-scale protest sees heated exchanges on Flag Market

Counter-protest groups are being urged to stay away from the Flag Market during Saturday afternoon.

Read more: ‘Preston in 2035’ strategy launches – with focus on ‘Station Quarter’ scheme

During Friday the city council had encouraged people to ‘go about their business as usual’ on Saturday but this advice has now changed.

A number of towns and cities have seen violence flare since Monday’s attacks in Southport where three children were killed after a knifeman, now named as Axel Rudakubana, entered a Taylor Swift dance session. He has been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder.

The 17-year-old was living in Banks, in Lancashire, at the time of the attack.

Police and politicians have condemned the latest violence and disorder which took place in Sunderland on Friday evening.

The city is expected to be busy during Saturday afternoon as Preston North End host Everton at Deepdale in a friendly match with kick-off at 3pm.

A Preston City Council spokesperson said: “We understand a protest is being planned for 2pm on the Flag Market, we are working with the police to respond to any risk. While we understand there will be those who wish to show their opposition to such protests we are appealing for those who may wish to counter-protest to do so in peaceful ways and to avoid becoming caught up in any potential disorder in, or around, the Flag Market.
 
“Our message is to stay away from any possible disorder this weekend and to continue supporting our neighbours in Southport and our police colleagues who are stretched and need to be able to police any event effectively.
 
“We ask that the communities of Preston come together in solidarity in the coming days and weeks and follow the example of Southport in showing that our towns and cities are places of hope, peace and friendship which will not be divided by a small minority who wish to bring violence and disorder.”

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of the outbreaks of disorder in other areas of the country and have initiated a command structure to reflect this and to reassure communities in Lancashire that we are able to respond quickly if we need to.

“We are also working with communities and partners to ensure that we are ready to respond to any concerns, or incidents within Lancashire. When we are aware of planned protests, we will balance the lawful right to protest with the need to prevent serious disruption and everyone’s right to go about their lives without fear or risk of harm.

“If there are outbreaks of disorder, we will robustly investigate any offences committed to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

During Friday evening the city’s Market canopy was lit pink in solidarity with Southport joining buildings across the country in lighting up.

The city saw a number of far-right demonstrations during the early and mid-2010s but has not seen any protest takes place for a number of years.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines