Blackburn MP urges residents to stay away from 'protest'

The protest, promoted on X by the far-right agitator, real named Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, comes in the wake of riots by the far-right in Southport following the fatal stabbing of three children in the Merseyside town.

Lancashire Police has said it is aware of the planned protest and has plans in place to manage events and prevent serious disruption.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has said no prior notice of the event was given to police, and it is aware an anti-racism counter-protest may take place, with traffic management preparations in place.

Now, Blackburn's independent MP Adnan Hussain has urged people in the town not to engage with the protest to avoid the town "being torn apart by riots and violence".

Thousands attended a peaceful vigil in Southport, which was hijacked by a far-right mob

He also condemned the "factions exploiting the tragedy in Southport to further their political agendas.

In a statement, he said: "The horrific events which transpired in Southport this week, resulting in the tragic loss of the lives of three little girls; Alice, Bebe, and Elsie, have left not only the community of Southport, but the whole country shocked, upset and grieving.

"The heightened emotions around this tragedy should by no means be overlooked, people throughout Britain are very understandably shaken by the monstrous actions which led to the loss of these young lives, and the endangering of many others.

"I believe lines of dialogue must be opened in order to put people's concerns and fears at ease, and to ensure all measures are taken to safeguard our communities and children going forward, so that events like the one experienced by the community of Southport this week are never witnessed again.

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has promoted the protest in Blackburn (Image: PA)

"Unfortunately, certain fringe factions are exploiting this tragedy to further their own political agendas.

"Protests descending into violent clashes have erupted on our streets up and down the UK, and, according to posts on social media, further protests, potentially of this nature, are planned.

"It is my understanding that one such protest is advertised on social media for this Saturday in Blackburn, although no official arrangements have been made via the relevant authorities.

"Since the unrest this week, I have been in close conversation with relevant authorities including the police.

"I have been assured that this matter is being taken very seriously and watched very closely.

"All relevant authorities are in liaison with community leaders including with places of worship throughout the town.

"This matter is being taken very seriously and the safeguarding of all communities in Blackburn is of utmost priority.

"With this in mind, I assure the community throughout Blackburn that their safety is of utmost priority, and all appropriate measures are in place to ensure that we do not witness a repeat of what has occurred on other streets in towns in the Northwest.

"I would urge all members of the community to aid the police and authorities in doing their job by staying away from any announced place of protest.

"We cannot have our community and town torn apart by riots, clashes or violence.

"We must trust and aid the police and authorities in carrying out their jobs by ensuring that we as a town upkeep the peace no matter the circumstances.

"I once again assure everyone that the police are well equipped in safeguarding measures and have made assurances that the safety of all members of the community of Blackburn is paramount."

The protest is due to take place outside Blackburn Town Hall, though no time for its start has been announced, and it is unknown how many people are set to attend.

A counter-protest may take place from midday.