Faith leaders have urged people to check what they read on social media and criticised attempts to 'stir up hatred' following scenes of disorder yesterday.

Multiple towns and cities saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers attacked and injured.

Dozens of arrests were made on Saturday, with police warning that further violence is likely in the coming days.

The string of violent incidents over the past few days began on Tuesday in Southport, after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

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In a statement on behalf of the Oxfordshire Faith, Civic and Community Leaders Group Imam Monawar Hussain and Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft said: "As faith and community leaders across Oxfordshire, we share the grief of the people of Southport following the tragic loss of life on Monday and Tuesday.

Imam Monawar Hussain and Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft issued a joint statement (Image: Canva)

"We are committed together to building a strong, coherent, and supportive community across our diverse city and county.

"We deplore the attempts by some extremist groups to spread disinformation and to stir up hatred and violence against particular groups.

"We are grateful for the ongoing work of  Thames Valley police in ensuring the safety of all.

"We encourage everyone in our community to verify reports on social media before circulating them further and to continue to demonstrate compassion, peace building, and mutual respect, especially in this season."

There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured.

It followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday evening.

Further protests are planned for today (Sunday) and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said.