TWO hundred police officers will be on standby for a potential demonstration in Somerset this weekend.

The force is anticipating possible disorder in Yeovil on Saturday, August 10, and is putting a large-scale policing operation in place to deal with this and facilitate any peaceful protests.

Officers from neighbouring police forces will be brought in to assist local officers, and Avon and Somerset Police's mounted, dog and drone units will be in the area.

This follows far-right protests in towns and cities across the UK after three children were stabbed to death in Southport on July 29.

Somerset commander superintendent Lisa Simpson has issued a statement detailing the police's plans for the day.

Supt Simpson said: “We know people are concerned about posts being shared on social media and that there could be disorder in the town on Saturday.

“We would never want to downplay these concerns and we want the people of Yeovil to feel safe and be free to go about their lives without fear.

“While we don’t have any firm evidence there will be any demonstration in the town this weekend, we are putting in place a significant operation to provide reassurance.

“We will have more than 200 officers on standby, ready to act in an instant if people begin to gather and engage in any kind of anti-social behaviour or criminality.

“These officers will mostly be local officers but we’re also bringing in others from neighbouring police forces and further afield.

“In addition, our mounted, dog and drone units will also be in the area should we need.”

Read more: Yeovil men arrested at Weymouth anti-immigrant protest

She added: “Given the scenes we have all witnessed take place in towns and cities across the country in recent days, we feel it is proportionate to stand up this operation.

“Those who live and work in Yeovil, or who are planning on visiting this weekend, should not be alarmed by the large number of police, they are there to keep you safe.

“The Neighbourhood Policing Team has been in regular contact with community and faith leaders as well as local businesses to keep them informed about what we know.

“It’s apparent through these conversations that people are keen for advice on whether they should avoid the town centre this weekend and whether they should board up their businesses.

“This is not something we would ever advise on. We will provide people with what we do and don’t know to enable them to make their own informed decisions.

“We are committed to keeping people updated and should any new information come to light about any demonstration in Yeovil we will release this.

“Finally, I’d like to thank local residents for their support and engagement with us in these unusual times.

“It’s by working closely with our communities that we will ensure those who threaten to cause unrest will not succeed.”