Anti-racism campaigners staged a demonstration on Chorley New Road in Bolton amid fears of far-right protests.

It came after a list of 'targets' was shared online after the weekend’s disturbances, with a heated demonstration having taken place in Bolton town centre on Sunday.

A number of stores shut early for 'the safety' of customers and staff.

A crowd began to gather at around 7pm holding placards.

By 8.30pm on Wednesday there was approximately 50 people in attendance with a police presence.

(Image: Henry Lisowski)

Several businesses in the town had closed early citing potential protests as the reason with a notice outside Sainsbury's saying it was for the 'safety' of customers and staff.

READ MORE: Counter-protestors gather amid fear of far right demonstration

Gym and stores close early to keep staff and customers safe

Bolton town centre workers “unsafe” amid Sunday's far-right rally

Climate activist Vicki Attenborough said: “There are people of ethnic minority who are scared to take their kids out in the areas they grew up. I'm privileged enough to not have that worry which is why I'm here."

Counter protesters were on Chorley New Road in Bolton this eveningCounter protesters were on Chorley New Road in Bolton this evening (Image: Newsquest)

Harriet from Bolton, who did not want to share her surname, said: "I'm here because I refuse to let racism and division win. We are a diverse town made up of all different people, and some of them are now scared to leave their homes."

No far-right demonstrations took place and no arrests were made.

The area was mostly cleared by 9.30pm.

READ MORE: Man puts middle finger up at judge after bail refused

Thousands of peaceful anti-racism demonstrators appeared to quash fears of further violent disorder on Wednesday night, despite the threat of more than 100 planned protests.

In many towns and cities shops were boarded up over fears of further rioting after a week of violent disorder which started in Southport, Merseyside, on July 30, but in most planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise.

On Wednesday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) issued a statement condemning "widespread sharing of misinformation online."

(Image: Phil Taylor)

A spokesperson for GMP said: “We understand the uncertainty and worry that people are feeling about current tension, much of which is being fuelled by the widespread sharing of misinformation online which is sometimes being created with the purpose of creating fear and inciting intolerable hate.

"Our advice to communities is to remain calm and to try to go about your every-day life. GMP continues to monitor the intelligence to ensure we can respond effectively to any incidents of disorder. And, if we believe there needs to be specific information about anything emerging we will tell people and offer advice."

(Image: Phil Taylor)

Emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, the police said any individuals participating in disorder would be swiftly dealt with.

It comes after hundreds of people were arrested following protests across the country on Sunday (August 4).