'Wigan against muppets': Counter-protesters defiantly turn out amid fears of disorder

Counter-protesters turned out in Wigan on Wednesday night (August 7) amid fears of disorder breaking out in the area. Holding banners and standing defiantly, the group arrived in a stance against any unrest.

Despite a police presence, and around 50 people congregating near to the Support for Wigan Arrivals site, where the far-right protest had initially planned, the scenes remained calm throughout the early evening.

A group of four counter-protesters were seen standing nearby with handmade signs, reading 'Wigan against muppets' and 'Gluten intolerant, racist intolerant'.

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A number of police officers and vehicles remained in the area at a distance in anticipation of possible scenes of unrest, that never materialised as first feared.

Scenes were much similar in Cheadle, Bolton and Oldham, were there had been reports of yet more far-right demonstrations planned on Wednesday night.

Large numbers of counter-protesters, many holding banners standing against racism, arrived in various locations to protect immigration offices that had been expected to be targeted.

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 night, 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.”