Emma Reynolds MP has warned against attempts from ‘the far right’ to ‘stoke division and target communities’ in a protest planned for High Wycombe following a tragic knife attack in Southport on Monday.

Thames Valley Police said it is aware of a “potential planned protest this weekend in High Wycombe”, with officers prepared to “swiftly respond” if it escalates into violent disorder.

A poster shared on social media indicates the protest will take place from 1pm in the town centre.

It comes after disorder erupted in Sunderland city centre on Friday evening (August 2), with rioters fighting police in the aftermath of a protest linked to a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday, July 29.

The attack left three young girls dead and ten others injured. 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Banks in Lancashire was charged with murder and attempted murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

Labour MP for Wycombe Emma Reynolds said she has “raised concern” with Thames Valley Police about the “planned potential civil unrest by the far right” planned for today in High Wycombe.

Ms Reynolds, who was elected on July 4, added: “It is unacceptable that they’re trying to exploit the horrific murders in Southport to stoke division and target communities.”

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In a joint statement issued yesterday, faith leaders from across Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire also stressed the importance of “building a strong, cohesive and supportive community” in the wake of the tragedy.

They “unequivocally condemned” the “attempts by extremist groups to spread disinformation and stir up hatred and violence against particular groups”.

Signees including Revd James Dwyer of Vicar Christ Church in Flackwell Heath and Chauhdry M Shafique, chair of the council for Christian Muslim relations in High Wycombe added: “We urge all community members to stand together, support one another, and reject any attempts to sow discord and intolerance.

“We encourage everyone in our community to verify all reports on social media before circulating them further and to continue to demonstrate compassion, peace building and mutual respect.”

After Monday’s attack, Merseyside Police issued a warning about the spread of an “incorrect” name for the perpetrator online and a false story about his background.

Experts told the PA News Agency that this misinformation had been used by a “vocal minority” to sow division and “fuel their own agenda and trigger a summer of thrill-seeking impulsive insurrection”.