People attending the Black Lives Matter protest in Victoria Square today have been urged to do so calmly and peacefully.

It was announced yesterday that a protective fence would be placed around the war memorial in Victoria Square, amid fears that violence would break out among protestors.

The decision follows calls for statues up and down the country to be removed following the Black Lives Matter Protests.

A two metre high steel Heras fence will be erected around the memorial this morning before the protest takes place at 1pm.

In a statement Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “My colleagues and I will simply not tolerate any vandalism or damage to our memorials to those who have given their lives for our country, as we have seen happen during other protests in other towns.

“That is why we are taking this precaution of protecting our Cenotaph. We will not be governed by mob rule and a media with an agenda, and we call on the Government and the police to stand firm against those who seek to infiltrate these protests with violent and decisive objectives.

“Lockdown rules are clear, they need to be enforced. We, as a Council, have made it clear we do not support these large gatherings at a time when a virus is claiming the lives of thousands of people. It is irresponsible and reckless, and threatens a second wave."

Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North East, has also urged people to participate in the protests calmly, as well as maintaining a safe social distance.

The reaction comes after many Black Lives Matter protests held over recent weeks in the UK have broken out into violence.

Greater Manchester Police are monitoring the situation daily. Chief Inspector Mike Russell, who covers the Bolton area, has said that GMP have plans in place to safely facilitate potential protests.

However, Bolton Labour Leader Nick Peel has responded to the statement, criticising the assumption that the protest will become violent.

He said: "As long as people observe social distancing rule, they have every right to protest.

"The majority of the protests we have seen, such as in Manchester, have passed off peacefully, and have been praised by the authorities.

"The council leader appears to make the assumption that it’s inevitable that there will be vandalism and violence, and has used the term "mob rule".

"This hysterical language is being unfairly applied to Bolton people, and pre judges the passions and motives the majority of protesters, who are law abiding citizens."