UK protests: Violence will be punished says Yvette Cooper

In Sunderland, some members of the crowd could be heard shouting Islamophobic slurs and chanting in support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, founder of the now disbanded English Defence League (EDL).

The X account of Robinson, an alias for Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has promoted false claims that the alleged Southport attacker had been an asylum seeker who recently arrived in the UK by boat.

Towns and cities including London, Hartlepool, Manchester, and Aldershot have seen protests descend into violence in recent days, following the Southport knife attack, which also left seven other children and two adults injured.

South Wales Police issued a dispersal order in Cardiff on Saturday, in an area around Mermaid Quay and the Senedd.

The BBC has identified at least 30 demonstrations being planned by far-right activists around the UK over the weekend, including a new protest in Southport.

An extra 70 prosecutors are on standby this weekend to charge people arrested in connection with violent disorder.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly called on Sir Keir and home secretary to “do more” to restore public order and “send a clear message to the thugs”.

Earlier this week, the prime minister announced a new national violent disorder programme to help clamp down on violent groups by allowing police forces to share intelligence.

With additional reporting by BBC News reporters across England.