AN anti-racism protest is set to take place in Worcester as the city unites against far-right extremism.

Worcester Trades Union Council will host a Rally for Unity this weekend to show the city will remain strong alongside its Muslim and ethnic minority communities.

It comes after Worcester Mosque issued safety advice to residents, which included not walking alone, amid rising concerns over targeted aggression towards the community across the UK.

Right-wing riots have broken out in places such as Rotherham, Liverpool, Southport and Plymouth following the deaths of three young girls in Southport.

However, counter-demonstrations against racism have taken place in cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Brighton.

On Saturday, residents and dignitaries will stand united outside the Guildhall at 1pm to peacefully show their opposition to racism, violence and intimidation.

READ MORE: Worcester's Muslims warned not to walk alone amid rising far-right tension and riots

A spokesperson from Worcester Trades Union Council said: “WTUC has organised the rally in response to recent events, where the far right has used tragic events in Southport to mount a deliberate campaign of racist violence and intimidation around the country.

"The rally is an opportunity for people from Worcestershire to show in a peaceful way their opposition to racism, violence and intimidation.

"We will be gathering behind the ‘RALLY4UNITY – WORCESTER REJECTS FASCISM’ banner, which was used in 2018 when fascists decided to visit Worcester and were met with huge opposition.

"We urge all peaceful-minded people to join us on Saturday at 1pm to demonstrate what our community really stands for.”

In 2018 more than 500 people turned out to a protest in Worcester to tell EDL supporters that they were not welcome in the city.

There have so far been no reported incidents from the far-right in the city in the last fortnight.

Organisations like Worcester Bid and Worcester Mela, a festival group which aims to unite cultures, have supported communities in the city during the recent national events.

Tom Collins, MP for Worcester and Councillor Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council said: “We would also like to reassure Worcester residents that West Mercia Police, local agencies and leaders stand ready and fully prepared to maintain this safety.

"We will not stand for any behaviour that breaks the law by causing damage, disorder or fear. Anyone taking part in violent disorder will face swift and severe consequences, and feel the full force of the law."

Residents like Lee-Marie Brough have also offered their Muslim colleagues at Worcestershire Royal Hospital a lift to work if they felt unsafe.

West Mercia Police is also taking steps to reassure communities during national unrest across the country.

Chief Superintendent Edd Williams said that even though there is no violent disorder in Worcestershire, the force understands that local communities will be worried.

“The public can and should be confident that we are working hard to keep our communities safe.

“We do not underestimate the fear and worry the violence in other parts of the country has caused and know these groups do not speak for our communities.   

“We are proud of the strong community cohesion and will stand together with our communities against those who look to disrupt this.”