Police say that they are "preparing to minimise any disruption" caused by planned protests this weekend.

There are fears over possible clashes between migrant supporters and far-right groups at a scheduled demonstration in Dover tomorrow.

The mayors of Deal and Folkestone will be attending the 'solidarity stand', which is to be held in Market Square at 11am.

The gathering was organised by the Kent Anti-Racism Network (KARN) following the death of Sudanese migrant Abdulfatah Hamdallah.

But far-right organisers for various groups have since warned on social media they plan to “take Dover by force” by blocking roads and ferries.

Police have warned that they will provide a "proportionate response" to the protest, while not tolerating violence or disorder and the town's MP has urged protestors to stay away.

Residents will see a "significantly increased" police force in the town throughout the day, while a spokesman said that "anyone found to be responsible for any disorder will be dealt with".

Chief Superintendent Nigel Brookes said: "As a force, it is our responsibility to facilitate peaceful protests, however we will not tolerate violence or disorder.

"Anyone planning to visit Dover with the intention of committing offences should be aware they are not welcome here and that we will seek to prosecute anyone who breaks the law.

"We always urge organisers to work with us beforehand to ensure their actions are not undermined by anyone who may seek to attend such an event simply as an excuse to commit acts of violence and disorder.

"Whilst we respect the right to protest peacefully our aim will be to balance that right with the rights of other people in the town.

"The public should be assured that we have a great deal of experience dealing with protests and will use officers specially trained to deal with events of this nature.

"We are determined to keep Kent a safe place in which to live, work and visit and will respond appropriately and proportionately to ensure public safety."

Natalie Elphicke, Member of Parliament for Dover and Deal, said: “People are rightly angry about the number of people breaking into Britain in small boats. It is completely unacceptable.

“But a protest in Dover in the middle of a pandemic is not a sensible or responsible thing to do. We cannot risk a second wave – protesters should stay away from Dover this weekend.

“Police resources are better used fighting crime than policing political demonstrations.”

Read more: All the latest news from Dover