The people of Swindon acted to protect their community in anticipation of a rumoured anti-immigration march. 

Police across the UK had received intelligence suggesting that up to 100 demonstrations were set to take place, raising the possibility that the violence seen across the country could take place in the town. 

Local authorities like Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Police acted quickly, with the former informing councillors of potential trouble and the latter alerting those in the vicinity of the possible disruption.

Consequently, several businesses made the decision to close early to avoid any rioting, but in the end, no such scenes materialised in the town. 

Instead between 2pm and 8.30pm, groups travelled to the asylum hotels, mosques and immigration services and formed a guard to protect them.

One of the people at the counter-demonstration, who asked not to be named, 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 outnumbering 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."

As well as contacting businesses throughout the day, Wiltshire Police provided regular updates informing everyone that they were prepared for something to take place, and would take robust action against anyone who broke the law as part of protests. 

Chief Superintendent Phil Staynings said: "Wiltshire Police will continue to monitor intelligence, continue to engage with our communities through our Neighbourhood policing teams and welcome hearing from anyone who has information that could help us, as we carry out extra reassurance patrols."

On Tuesday, an email from Swindon Borough Council chief executive Samantha Mowbray was sent out to councillors, urging them to tell their constituents to keep calm and stay away if trouble did break out. 

She said: "Please encourage your residents to stay away from any protest and leave the police to do what is a really difficult job.  I sincerely hope, as I’m sure you all do, that all the speculation leads to nothing but the police and other agencies, including the council, are ready to respond if necessary."