A police dispersal order in Blackburn town centre has now been extended into tomorrow morning.

The order gives police extra powers to order people to leave an area and had been put into force on Saturday August 3 after a Tommy Robinson backed protest was planned.

Having originally been intended to run from 8.40am on Saturday morning until 9pm, Blackburn and Darwen Police have now announced that the order has been extended to 6am on Sunday.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have this evening extended our dispersal order in Blackburn.

“Earlier today, Saturday, August 3, we became aware of possible protest activity in the town.

“We know that the majority of those planned to attend intending on expressing their opposing views in in a lawful manner.

“However, we received information which indicated some individuals planned on disorder.

“To keep the public safe a Section 34 dispersal order was issued.

“The order came into effect at 8.40am and has been extended to 6am tomorrow, Sunday, August 4.”

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The area incorporates parts of Blackburn town centre as indicated by a map released by police.

Independent Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has encouraged people to stay away from the protest saying he feared riots and violent clashes may occur.

Similarly Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, Labour’s Cllr Phil Riley, has urged people not to “incite hatred and cause violent disturbances.”