High Wycombe has not been included on a list circulating social media of the cities and towns targeted for protest action today – after a peaceful demonstration last weekend left locals ‘proud’ to be from the area.

Police around the country are steeling for as many as 100 riots and protests being held today (August 7) in reaction to the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday camp in Southport last week.

While authorities have warned against “misinformation” about planned protests online, lists circulating on social media of the locations where rioters are being directed to assemble do not include Wycombe or anywhere else in Buckinghamshire.

The violent disorder, which has seen hundreds of people arrested, was stoked by false claims that the suspect in the Southport attack, later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.

Business owners shut up shop in Wycombe on Saturday, August 3, in anticipation of the riotous scenes seen in Hartlepool, Liverpool and Nottingham, among others, but the demonstration ended peacefully, with only a few sign-bearers showing up and no violence ensuing.

One attendee said the low turnout made him “proud to be a local”.

Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, Matthew Barber said today that he is hopeful the “handful of peaceful protests” so far seen across the region will not escalate but assured locals that the force is “prepared for all contingencies”.

He added: “The violent disorder we have seen in other parts of the country should be deeply concerning for all of us. Such violence, particularly attacks aimed at the police, is never acceptable and should be condemned by everyone.

“This morning, I met with other criminal justice agencies to ensure they have contingency plans in place and have spoken to councillors and MPs to reassure them of the ongoing preparations. There is a great deal of misinformation about potential disorder which only heightens people’s concerns, and I would urge everyone to be careful about what they share on social media. The police are carefully assessing any intelligence to ensure they can keep the public safe.

“I am hugely grateful to the officers who have supported other police forces and have had to face violence in dealing with this clear criminality. I know the men and women of Thames Valley Police will continue to address any threats with bravery and impartiality.”