Penzance rally shows solidarity, says organiser

Organiser Faye Dobinson said she was happy to see a couple of hundred people gathered in Penzance

People have gathered in a Cornish town to protest against the recent riots across the UK.

The "anti-fascist counter protest" began at the top of Causewayhead in Penzance at about 13:00 BST on Saturday.

Organiser Faye Dobinson said the gathering was to show a form of "solidarity" following rumours of a potential demonstration.

A BBC journalist at the scene said about 200 people gathered after the rumours, however, no-one turned up to protest. They added there had not been any trouble.

Faye Dobinson said she wanted to respond to the potential demonstration in a positive way

Ms Dobinson said she set up the event to stand for "love in the face of what has been a pretty horrific week".

"It’s a show of solidarity," she said.

Ms Dobinson said she wanted to respond in a positive way to the rumours of an anti-migrant protest.

She said: "I’m really stoked that a couple of hundred people have turned up to make their voices heard."

'Festival atmosphere'

Councillor Loveday Jenkin said: "We need to support the community of Penzance to show love and not hate and to look after ourselves and say that fascists are not welcome in Cornwall.

"There is a great festival atmosphere, and it is important that people know that Cornwall is open and welcoming."

The Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds said: "We are sending out a message.

"We have had plastic free Penzance and we are proud of that - so can we now have a hate free Penzance and be just as proud of that."

"That is my hope," he added.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they were continuing to "monitor the situation around any potential for violence or disorder across the counties".

It comes after a violent disorder took place in Plymouth, Devon, on Monday.