Tommy Robinson-backed protest in Blackburn on Saturday

The event, which Robinson – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – has backed on X, is due to take place outside Blackburn Town Hall on Saturday, August 3.

No time has been given for when the protest, dubbed ‘Save Our People’, is due to start.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has said Lancashire Police has received no prior confirmation of a protest arranged by the English Defence League.

It said an anti-racism counter protest could also be taking place at around midday, including a march in Barbara Castle Way, and that traffic management plans are being put in place if the marches go ahead.

Lancashire Police said it has a command structure in place to deal with protests, which it is aware could take place.

A promotional image for the far-right event reads: “We will be protesting outside Blackburn Town Hall due to recent tragedy’s (sic) within our country.

“Let’s make a statement and get some changes we deserve in our country.”

Meanwhile, Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has urged people to stay away from the protest, saying he fears riots and violent clashes may occur.

The event is due to take place outside Blackburn Town Hall (Image: NQ)

Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Like many people, I’m appalled that the tragic incident in Southport has encouraged certain people, thankfully not from our local communities, to incite hatred and cause violent disturbances over the last few days.  

“Driven by hatred, they are trying to create divisions when many people in our communities, particularly parents and grandparents and those who work with young children, are united in sharing condolences with the affected community in Southport.

“Many of us have been heartened to see the community response in Southport and the diverse group of people who have come together in the aftermath of Monday’s tragedy and the disturbance of Tuesday evening, driven only by love and compassion.”

On the planned protests, he added: “Of course, people have a right to protest, but this must be done in a peaceful manner.

“I want to reassure Blackburn town centre businesses, as well as shoppers and other visitors to the town centre, that we are working closely with Lancashire Police to encourage any protestors to behave responsibly and calmly.

“We want everyone from Blackburn with Darwen’s diverse communities to feel safe in the town centre and will work hard with Lancashire Police to offer reassurance.”

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.”

Far-right protestors hijacked the tragic events in Southport to riot in the town

It is assumed the Robinson-backed protest is in reference to the deaths of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday, in which eight other children and two adults were injured at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class.

A 17-year-old boy, Axel Rudakubana, born in Cardiff and living in Banks, Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

He made his first court appearances on Thursday, August 1, and is next due in court for a plea and trial preparation hearing in October, with a trial provisionally scheduled for January 2025.

Following the events in Southport, a peaceful vigil was held in the town attended by thousands from the seaside town.

After this, groups of far-right protestors began rioting in the town after travelling from elsewhere, damaging property and injuring more than 40 police officers.

Further incidents of disorder took place in Hartlepool, London and Greater Manchester throughout the week, perpetrated by the far-right.

Property was damaged, police vehicles torched, and more than 40 officers injured by far-right thugs in Southport

These events drew widespread condemnation, with protestors accused of “hijacking” the tragic events in Southport to push their own beliefs.

Several protests are also planned in other parts of the country in the coming days, again in Southport but also in areas including Leeds, Bristol, and Blackburn.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The far right are showing who they are – we have to show who we are in response to that.”

He and ministers have also said protestors who descend into criminality will feel the “full force of the law”.