Swindon residents and councillors have expressed relief and thanks after rumours of protests did not materialise.

Anti-immigration protests were anticipated in the town with high street shops closing early and companies issuing warnings to employees following some social media speculation and country-wide preparations.

Wiltshire Police put out a statement reassuring communities following “a very limited number of social media posts causing some understandable concern”.

However, a rumoured gathering at the County Ground did not happen, with the only crowds visible in Swindon being those of peaceful counter-protesters.

It was a similar picture around the country, with the Independent reporting that despite a UK-wide list of over 100 targets circulated by far-right groups, they mostly did not gather.

Repi Begum, councillor for Lydiard and Freshbrook, said: “So proud of Swindon right now! Proud to call it home!

“Despite the air being full of danger and anxiety, Swindon came through yesterday. Over 200 people stood shoulder to shoulder to say no to fascism!

“The ground was full of love and unity! For someone like me that is constantly reminded I am not good enough and I don’t belong, your love spoke volumes yesterday. (Image: Repi Begum)

“To those that messaged me directly, to those that put up posts, to those that put on their big boy pants and came out to say to say, “we are Swindon, who are you? We are many, you are few!” I love you and I thank you!”

Between 2pm and 8.30pm on August 7, groups travelled to asylum hotels, mosques and immigration services to form a guard to protect them.

An Advertiser reporter wrote yesterday: “Despite reports of a 'protest march' and 'windows smashing' on Manchester Road circulating online, The Adver can confirm that no protests are currently taking place on Manchester Road.”

Jim Robbins, Swindon Borough Council leader shared: “Huge thanks to Wiltshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and Swindon Council for their calm and measured response to a day of massive rumours and concern yesterday. (Image: Repi Begum)

“Swindon is a diverse and inclusive town that has welcomed many new people over its history. Long may that continue.”

Heidi Alexander, Swindon South MP, shared: “It’s been a demanding week for the police and I would like to put on record my thanks to them for the vital work they do in keeping us safe in Swindon

She added that “whilst our town has so far avoided the violent disorder troubling other parts of the UK”, many police have been injured.

Yesterday evening, 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."(Image: Newsquest)

In the UK, Aldershot has been reported as one of the few places where police had to separate opposing protesters.

The Metropolitan Police said about 50 people gathered in North End Road, Croydon, south London, and had “made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder”.

Instead, large numbers of counter demonstrators in towns and cities across the country such as Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Walthamstow and Sheffield gathered with placards reading “Stamp out Islamophobia” and “No to Racism”.

Like in Swindon, hundreds of counter-protesters assembled to protect an immigration advice centre in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, holding banners reading “Oppose Tommy Robinson”, “Bigots out of Brum” and “Stamp out Islamophobia”.

Hundreds of anti-racism protesters were present in Walthamstow, chanting “whose streets? our streets!” and “free Palestine”.

The policing minister told the BBC she was "cautiously welcoming" the scenes last night.