Counter protestors lined the streets in a community warned to expect riots.

People took to the streets in North Finchley on Wednesday night (August 7) holding banners saying "Refugees Welcome" and "We stand together".

More than 1,300 police were deployed across London after receiving reports that far-right actions would be taking place in North Finchley and Harrow as well as Croydon and Walthamstow.

Counter protesters in North Finchley ahead of an expected anti-immigration riotCounter protesters in North Finchley ahead of an expected anti-immigration riot (Image: PA Wire)

The unrest began after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on July 29 led to violence there and around the UK.

False claims were spread online that the perpetrator was an asylum seeker, but the violence continued even after the lies were proven to be false.

We stand together as a community say counter protesters in North FinchleyWe stand together as a community say counter protesters in North Finchley (Image: PA Wire)

Police have been injured, shop windows smashed and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted in cities around the UK.

On Monday Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley & Golders Green, posted a statement on X suggesting far right groups are planning to target a service helping immigrants in Finchley this week.

Peaceful protestors in North Finchley make their voices heardPeaceful protestors in North Finchley make their voices heard (Image: PA Wire)

Dozens of counter protestors gathered in North Finchley and a huge march took place in Walthamstow.

Stand Up to Racism counter protestors say Refugees Welcome in North FinchleyStand Up to Racism counter protestors say Refugees Welcome in North Finchley (Image: PA Wire)

Stand for Racism tweeted: "North Finchley now! 1,000 already out defending our streets from the far right ✊🏽"

A similar demonstration also took place in Harrow, where there had been an indication of planned action by a far-right group earlier in the week.