UK riots and disorder: Two men sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for disorder in Merseyside

Patrick Jackson
Live Page Editor

Good morning and welcome to our continuing live coverage of the aftermath of some of the worst rioting England has seen in years.

Fears of further violent unrest by anti-immigration protesters on Wednesday night proved largely unfounded. Instead, thousands of anti-racism protesters turned out in cities and towns to show solidarity with minorities.

In Accrington, Lancashire, pub-goers could be seen hugging Muslims in the street, while in Walthamstow, London, one of hundreds of protesters told the BBC he had turned out because his multi-ethnic community wanted to “make sure no one ever bullies us”.

Stay with us as our reporters across the country bring you the latest developments from the courts prosecuting hundreds of alleged protesters, as well as fresh reactions to the unrest, which began when false rumours spread following the deadly mass stabbing in Southport last week.