Local authorities have urged residents to be wary of online misinformation as protests continue across the country following a fatal knife attack in Southport.

The deputy ahead of Buckinghamshire Council has joined Thames Valley Police and other community leaders to condemn the week of nationwide disorder and rioting sparked by misinformation about the identity of a suspect charged with killing three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

Speaking on behalf of the local authority, Cllr Angela Macpherson said: “We in Buckinghamshire stand united in our commitment to fostering a culture of peace and respect.

“Violence has no place in our society, and we will not tolerate any actions that threaten the well-being of our community members. Together with our partners in the police, fire, health, housing provider services and higher education, we are striving to create an environment where everyone can live their lives in safety and harmony, free from fear and intimidation.

“We would ask everyone to be careful about the information they receive and share, particularly on social media, as we are aware there is a lot of misinformation circulating.”

Police forces remain on nationwide alert amid plans for further unrest, with approximately 6,000 specialist officers making up the “standing army” of police announced by the Prime Minister on Monday. Over 400 people have been arrested for disorder in England and Northern Ireland, with the number expected to rise in the coming days.

An ‘Enough is Enough’ protest planned for High Wycombe last weekend saw only a handful of attendees alongside a group of counter-protesters, with no violence or rioting.

But, with fears that the disorder will stretch into next week and beyond, local authority figures have taken decisive stances against the “rioting thugs” potentially planning further unrest in the coming days.

Assistant Chief Constable Blunt also urged members of the public to be vigilant about misleading comments on social media about planned demonstrations in a statement on behalf of Thames Valley Police today (August 7).

He said: “I recognise that the disorder seen across the country will cause concern amongst our communities as well as our own officers and staff.

“We have well-rehearsed plans in place to deal with any issues that may arise and will take the most robust stance possible against violence, hatred and discrimination of any kind to hold those who choose to cause harm to our communities accountable for their actions.”

The assistant chief constable also said the force’s intelligence teams were monitoring the spread of misinformation online as well as maintaining a presence on the ground in local communities.

Adding: “If you have any concerns, or if you see our neighbourhood police officers out and about, please do speak with them.

“We know our communities don’t want disorder on their doorstep – no one should be fearful to leave the house, go to a place of worship or live in a given area. You have our full support and that of our partners.”

To report anything suspicious in your area, either make a report on the Thames Valley Police website, call 101 or call 999 in an emergency.