A dispersal order is in force across Blackburn town centre today (August 3) due to a protest that is set to take place, in light of the recent murders in Southport.

Protests are also planned in Blackpool and Preston.

The order came into effect at 8.40am and is in place for 12 hours, ending at around 9pm. The order could be extended if needed. 

The order has been put in place to prevent disorder and “allow other members of the community to enjoy the town centre without any issue”.

The dispersal order, which gives police the power to exclude people from an area, covers the majority of Blackburn town centre. 

Officers say the “majority” of those who plan to attend “intend to express their opposing views in in a lawful manner” but said the force has received information that indicates that some individuals “are intent on causing disorder”.

A police spokesperson said: “We know that many of you will be aware of a planned protest and counter-protest that are due to take place in Blackburn town centre today and that some of you may be attending.

“We know that the majority of those who plan to attend intend to express their opposing views in a lawful manner. However, we have received information which indicates that some individuals who plan to attend are intent on causing disorder.

“We are doing everything in our power to stop that from happening and keep you, the public, safe. With that in mind, a section 34 dispersal order has been put in place to prevent disorder and allow other members of the community to enjoy the town centre without any issue.

“The order came into effect at 8.40am today and runs for 12 hours. We have the ability to extend the order if there is a necessity to do so.

“The area covered by the order is shown in the map and incorporates parts of Blackburn town centre.”

The protest is backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

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

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.

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.”

A protest is also set to take place at 2pm in Prestonm on the Flag Market. 

A spokesperson for the council said: "Our message is to stay away from 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."

A dispersal order is also in force across Blackpool.

The order came into effect at 8am today and is in place until 10pm tonight. Police have the ability to extend the order if there is a necessity to do so.

The area covered by the order incorporates the promenade, to the junction of Dickson Road, Devonshire Road, Whitegate Drive and Waterloo Road.