UK riots live: Far right violence erupts in Liverpool and Manchester

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violent disorder “will pay the price.”

“Criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets,” she told broadcasters.

“We’ve been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price.”

Police with riot shields and mounted officers remained in Liverpool city centre, and the force helicopter circled overhead, but the large group of demonstrators had dispersed.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that roads in the city have now reopened following serious disorder in the city centre this afternoon.

“We would like to thank local residents, motorists, visitors and businesses in the city centre for their patience and understanding.”

The UK’s justice system is ready to deliver convictions for protesters engaging in violent disorder “as quickly as possible”, Downing Street said.

In emergency talks held by the prime minister today, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that those who have committed violence over the last few days have been remanded in custody.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Home Secretary updated on the ongoing police response to outbreaks of disorder. She said we will work with them to ensure there are consequences, arrests and prosecutions for those responsible.

“The Justice Secretary added that already offenders who have committed violence over the last few days have been remanded in custody and the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible.”

Four men have been arrested in connection with the disorder in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire police have said.

A number of protesters have dispersed from the location while a large-scale policing presence with specialist public order resources remain in the area, the forced added in a statement.

A section 34 dispersal notice has also been authorised, allowing police to disperse people who may return to the area.

A man was injured after being hit by a blunt object that was thrown. His injuries are not thought to be serious and he has been taken to hospital for treatment.  

There was speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today.

The police force confirmed this information is false and no stabbings have been reported, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media.

Sir Keir Starmer has given police forces his “full support” to take action against “extremists” as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England.

He met with senior ministers including Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood and Diana Johnson to discuss protesters attempting to “sow hate” by intimidating communities across the country.

 Downing Street spokesperson said: “Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen today, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.”

Anti-fascist grafitti has been seen across Bristol today ahead of a far-right protest planned in the city this evening.

The signs appeared in the city centre’s Castle Park, where both far-right demonstrators and counter-protests are expected to appear later today.

One sign reads “Bristol is antifascist” while another says “Drink Cider, beat Nazis!”.

The protest in Blackpool moved towards St John’s Square where punks attending the Rebellion festival were gathered.

There was little, if any, police presence when skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and punks, with bottles and chairs being thrown and wood wielded.

In one clash, a man was knocked unconscious when he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground.

Another man drove his motorbike at the crowd before officers arrived.