Police chief issues warning as force faces 'staggering' number of calls over riot rumours

A police chief has issued a warning after his force faced a 'staggering' number of calls over possible protests. Major demonstrations have broken out across the country in the wake of the Southport knife attacks last week - with ugly scenes erupting in several towns and cities, including in Greater Manchester.

Dozens of anti-immigration protests were expected across the country on Wednesday night (August 7) and many businesses closed their doors early fearing violence. But this failed to materialise, with peaceful counter-protests seen in areas including Bolton, Oldham and Wigan instead.

In neighbouring Cheshire, dispersal orders and enhanced search powers have been used in Crewe, Warrington and Widnes to fend off potential riots. Cheshire Police says it has not seen disorder in the county - other than 'sporadic incidents' which have led to 11 arrests.

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Anxiety remains for many residents though - and amid 'widespread misinformation' on social media, Cheshire Police faced a deluge of calls about rumoured riots on Wednesday. Chief Constable Mark Roberts is now urging residents not to call the force with rumours about possible protests and riots - insisting that if the public has seen something, his officers will already know about it.

In a letter, shared with the Manchester Evening News, Chf Con Roberts said: "Understandably, some people in our communities are anxious. This is particularly so for those who engage with social media.

"Social media misinformation has been widespread and has unfortunately translated into people making unnecessary calls to the police. Yesterday, in the late afternoon the volume of calls to the Force Control