Religious leaders in Bolton denounced Sunday's unrest saying it will “not be tolerated.”

Far right demonstrators staged an anti-immigration demonstration at Bolton town hall on August 4 that ended in clashes with counter-protesters.

Greater Manchester Police in riot gear separated the groups, but fireworks and eggs were thrown.

Police enforced a section 60 order by afternoon, which gave them powers to stop and search anyone in the area.

Councillor John Walsh, church warden and  Honorary lay Canon of Bolton Parish Church, said: “I’m very sad about what happened in Bolton. It wasn’t a true reflection of the community.

“I know that it was a two-way [situation], that there were those who came to Bolton intent on causing trouble and that some residents got involved.

“But the decent and hardworking people of Bolton have made it clear that such behaviour is not to be tolerated.

“Violence, attacks on the police and damage to the image and businesses is unacceptable.

“There are serious issues that need to be addressed and I’m not making light of them but discussion, conversation and working together not confrontation [are the way forward].”

Chan Parmar, former interfaith officer at Bolton Interfaith Council, said: “The demonstrations are very worrying, I feel sorry for people who are isolated and vulnerable or those with businesses.

“The demonstrators are not interested in the well-being and safety of our town.

“They made an excuse using Southport and are creating division in society.

“I’m a migrant myself. I’m from Kenya via India and have been here since 1968. It’s never been this bad.

“This is a very peaceful country and town. We want to live together in a neighbourly manner and be considerate to everybody, but this will not be tolerated. It’s doing a lot of damage.

“Overall, there’s a lot of good people in the town. We just need to stick together.”

Chan counsels young people to “stay calm and be united.”

He advises: “If you can, avoid being part of this, don’t go and demonstrate against them, leave them to it.

“We must work together for peace and harmony.”

Sunday’s far-right ‘Stand Up for Your Country: Enough is Enough’ rally was one of many across the UK.  

They were in response to the stabbing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside by Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana, 17.

He has been accused of killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party on July 29.

Fourteen people were arrested on Sunday and seven charged for weapon possession across Greater Manchester in connection with the demonstrations.