The people of Blackburn have been commended after the town avoided ugly scenes of violence and disorder by far-right thugs seen elsewhere.

There was praise for residents after a planned demonstration - promoted by far-right agitator Tommy Robinson - outside the town hall was a non-event with only a handful of people turning up.

Local police officers were also praised after keeping residents of the town reassured during a tense weekend, which saw large-scale violence, rioting and looting in towns and cities across the country.

Only a handful of protestors gathered near the town hall on Saturday for the planned far-right demonstration. One was waving a flag, while also present were a couple of anti-racism protestors.

A few words were exchanged but police were quick to speak to the protestors and the small protest ended quickly without any incident.

ALSO SEE: Council leader commends borough residents for rejecting ‘hate and division’

Officers could be seen speaking to the individuals and they were asked to move on.

Shoppers in the town said the lack of support for the far-right protest "said a lot about the town and its people".

Drone footage during the early afternoon by Graham Woods

A much larger group of young Asian men and boys had gathered just off Randal Street and Barbara Castle Way.

Here, people were sharing their concerns over the events of the past week, in which the Muslim community and immigrants have been targeted after stabbings in Southport.

Councillors Mahfooz Hussain and Rana Gulistan turned out to speak to people, while earlier Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain was in the town centre.

People had been kept updated that the town centre protest had been dispersed.

Later in the afternoon an announcement was made that the large group would march to the town centre as the ‘EDL (English Defence League) were in town’.

The scene just off Barbara Castle Way

Numbers soon swelled to more than a hundred and dozens were covering their faces with balaclavas, scarves and masks marched along Barbara Castle Way and on to Richmond Terrace. 

The group march, many with faces covered march towards the town centre

Once in the town centre the group found the area to be empty and gathered on the steps of the town hall.

There has been an initial call to march through the town centre but following short discussions it was agreed the group would make their way back to Barbara Castle Way.

(Image: Nq) Speakers on the steps of the town hall

A few people appeared to be agitated and frustrated by this decision but Tahir Hussain, known as Talu, spoke quite forcefully to the crowd, urging them not to get involved in any trouble.

He told the group: "This is what they want. You keep your mouths shut and your eyes open."

Mr Hussain later urged people to disband and make their way out of the town centre peacefully.

Naseem Khan, known as Nas-T, said: “We just wanted to show solidarity with the people and of Blackburn and to tell everyone that during this horrific period, all our colours are one. 

“Our elders worked hard for this town, so we don't want this to be ruined. 

 “The key was respect and discipline and I hope in some way we achieved this. Thanks to the Lancashire Constabulary for their understanding and we will work with them in the future too.

“If anyone caused trouble there would be no difference between us and the other group.” 

Later, in the evening messages were being shared that the EDL would be at King George’s Hall.

This was amongst several false claims being shared as a visit to the hall found families and couples heading to a show.

Following the weekend, further claims were shared that ‘people would be attacked on Monday morning’ by racists. Again, this turned out to be false.

One onlooker who was in the town centre on Saturday afternoon said: “It did look quite threatening to see such a large crowd to be honest, but I am glad people made the right decision.

“Marching through the town centre would have been of no use to anyone as there was nobody there.

“I think the police handled it well by talking to people directly and taking action where necessary.”

Another shopper said: “Nobody came out to support the first march so that says a lot about the town and the people. Just a few heads turned up.

"There are a lot of rumours going around and people should check before they act upon them.

"People have bigger things to worry about and realise we are all in this together.”