Aldi windows boarded up as amid fears of disorder across Greater Manchester

An Aldi in Chadderton had its windows boarded up on Wednesday night (August 7) amid fears of disorder breaking out in the area.

The supermarket on Ellen Street, near to the Gateway Retail Park was seen being protected with wooden boards covering its glass windows. Riot police were also seen parked up nearby Elk Mill retail park as a precaution.

It comes after shops in and around Manchester city centre also took measures to protect themselves from possible disorder, with some shutting early and putting extra security measures in place.

READ MORE Greater Manchester protests LIVE as mosques urge people to 'be vigilant' and businesses shut ahead of 'planned unrest'

Police cars were also seen parked next to Piccadilly Gardens, which was the scene of disorder on Saturday, with riot vans also seen in St Peter's Square. The glass windows of the Aldi supermarket in Chadderton were completely boarded up on Wednesday night in order to protect them from any possible attacks.

It comes as police were understood to be preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter protests on Wednesday, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.

A police source told the PA news agency: “Today is probably going to be the busiest day of the week, into the evening. Tonight, we think it’s looking like a credible picture. We are preparing for activity across 41 forces.”

In the city centre, some residents living in Ancoats received an email from their building operators urging them to 'avoid going out' due to a planned 'riot'. Gran T's Coffee Shop and Black Sheep near to Piccadilly station were among the businesses who decided to close early.

Greater Manchester