Businesses across Swindon are locking their doors to the public on Wednesday afternoon as speculation around 'violent disorder' in the town grows.

The concern comes after organised 'protests' are taking place across the UK today after days of rioting and violence.

The riots come in the wake of the Southport knife attack in which three children lost their lives.

Although disorder in Swindon is currently just speculation and the threat level has been described by Swindon Borough Council as a 'medium threat', local businesses and Wiltshire Police are braced for the worst.

"We will not hesitate to take robust action against a small minority who are intent on being involved in criminal activity," said Wiltshire Police's Chief Superintendent Phil Staynings.

Here's a full list of all the Swindon businesses that will close their doors on Wednesday afternoon (July 7) over concerns of violent disorder.

This list includes closures that the Swindon Advertiser has been made aware of, and will not be an inclusive list.

Swindon businesses closing due to riot concerns:

  • Carfax Medical Centre will close from 1.30pm on Wednesday due to a 'potential protest in the town centre.' Face-to-face appointments are being rearranged.
  • Leonardo Hotel will lock its doors from 3pm, and non-residents will not be allowed into the building.
  • The Jobcentre Plus will close on Wednesday afternoon and won't reopen again until 9am. All appointments during this time are being rescheduled for another day.
  • Victoria Road Pharmacy has closed for the day and will reopen at 9am on Thursday.
  • The Beauty Bar is believed to have closed for the rest of the day.
  • Iceland will close from 4pm.
  • The Glue Pot will cancel its pub quiz and the pub will close at 6pm
  • Pandora will close at 3pm.
  • H. Samuel will close from 3pm
  • Natwest has closed
  • H&D Hair Design has closed
  • Prospect Hospice charity shop on Regent Street has closed
  • Recycles has closed
  • The Fragrance Shop has closed
  • Poppins cafe has closed
  • Ernest Jones has closed

Are you aware of more business closures? Get in touch by emailing sarah.dalton@newsquest.co.uk