UK riots live updates as police brace for further 'far-right' protests

There are fears far-right groups could target more than 100 parts of the UK this evening, police sources say. Since Monday there has been a national mobilisation of officers as forces attempt to support each other.

Some of today's gatherings are expected to be small-scale protests, however police say they are preparing for disturbances in 41 force areas out of 43 in England and Wales. It comes as a list of 38 towns and cities have been deemed "target" areas for the protests today, with 6,000 riot officers mobilised across the UK.

Shops, restaurants and other businesses have been boarding up their premises amid fears of violence. At this time it is understood that no protests have been arranged to take place in Wales. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

Earlier this week on Saturday and Sunday anti-racism protesters gathered in Cardiff city centre in response to fears over an expected far right rally that was rumoured to be taking place in the capital. South Wales Police put a dispersal order in place around Mermaid Quay and the Senedd on Saturday, but officers did not use additional powers as the area was occupied by a peaceful counter-protest without any unrest.

Thugs have run riot across England and Northern Ireland since the heinous killings of three young girls - Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven - in Southport on Monday, July 29. Town centres have been left trashed with vehicles burnt and smashed up.

Police say they are “ready and preparing for” activity across much of the country this evening, with today expected to be "the busiest day of the week".

Follow below for the latest updates on the expected gatherings: