Swindon community members gathered to protect town amid demo rumours

They gathered near a number of potentially vulnerable locations, including an Islamic community centre in Broad Street.
One of those who took part said: "People from the Swindon community flocked to protect our town and its residents, in anticipation of the rumoured far right anti immigration march through their town today.
"With suggestions of a large violent gang threatening their asylum hotels, mosques and immigration services, they guarded all the possible targets in large numbers from 2pm until 8.30pm. 
"It became clear that the rumoured attack wasn’t going to happen but the community spirit was high. New friendships were forged and the movement grows."
Another said: "There is no way we would allow those violent thugs to intimidate our community. Swindon is a multicultural, welcoming town. We wanted to show our solidarity and strength. 
"It was heartening to hear of the anti racism movement across the country outnumber the far right. We had eyes all over our town, covering all areas, and a great mobilisation model. We can call numbers at short notice and will continue to do so while there is a threat."
Those who took part were thanked and praised by Abdul K Ali, Chairman of the 

Hazrath Shahjalal Mosque,

 who said: "I want to sincerely thank each of you for turning out in great numbers to protect and support our community.
"As the Chairman of the Hazrat Shahjalal Mosque, I am proud of how we have come together with unity and peace.
"Your dedication has helped us reclaim our streets and uphold the safety and harmony of our neighbourhood. Your actions have truly set an inspiring example."
South Swindon MP and Minister of State in the Ministry for Justice Heidi Alexander was among man senior politicians who warned that those taking part in the disorder which has brought chaos in recent days could expect to face the full force of the law.
Speaking in a television interview, she said: "What the Government is doing is making sure that all elements of the criminal justice system, whether that's the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, the Prison Service, stand ready to ensure that swift justice can be delivered, and that the people that are causing this mayhem on our streets face the full force of the law, and that there will be consequences for their actions.
"We have made available an additional 567 prison places that were due to open later this month, but we've been able to bring those forward.
"And so there will be a new house block at Stocken Prison in Rutland. We have repurposed some space in a young offenders institute called Cookham Wood in Kent.
"And so we will ensure that anyone who is given a custodial sentence, there is a prison place waiting for them there."