Extra patrols are in place in Waltham Forest as authorities try to verify claims of a planned protest in the borough.

Waltham Forest Council said those seeking to "stir up hatred" would not divide the community. 

It has confirmed it is working with the Metropolitan Police to gather information after details were circulated on social media. 

Information yet to be verified has claimed a protest is due to take place tomorrow (August 8).

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “We have seen claims that a protest has been organised in our area.

"We are working with the Metropolitan Police to verify the information, and we will respond together in close partnership if it is accurate.

"Extra patrols have already been put into place, and we will be working with our community organisations to reach out to mosques and places of worship to provide reassurance.

"The safety and wellbeing of our residents is always our top priority.”

The details of the rumoured protest come just over a week after three children were killed at a Taylor Swift themed dance class on July 29 in Southport. 

Unrest has followed in the days after the girls' deaths, with riots and protests breaking out across the country, leading to places of worship, businesses, a library and a hotel being damaged. 

The council shared a further statement to their X page on behalf of Cllr Loakes. 

He said: "Since that tragic incident, we have all been appalled and angered to see the damage caused by rioters trashing town centres and setting fire to community buildings. These scenes are sickening and have no place in our society.

“Waltham Forest has a long and proud tradition of being a borough of sanctuary, where those fleeing persecution, conflict, and oppression are made welcome.

"The council and our residents will not stand for bigotry, intolerance, racism, or division. Our diversity is our strength.

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"We have seen those who seek to sow chaos and stir up hatred attack communities across the country, smashing up libraries and food banks as they target vulnerable asylum seekers. They will not divide us."

The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment in response to the protest reported to be scheduled for tomorrow. 

A number of other protests have also been rumoured to be taking place across London this week, prompting responses from police, councils and political parties.