A police boss has vowed to deal "robustly" with anyone committing criminal acts ahead of two protests happening today.

Chief Superintendent Tony Rowlinson said any attempts to turn the lawful right to protest to carry out crimes "will not be tolerated".

It comes as two protests are set to take place in the city centre this evening following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport last week.

Asked about the protests set to take place in Southampton, he said: "Any attempt to turn the lawful right to protest into an opportunity to commit criminal acts will not be tolerated, and anyone who seeks to do so will be dealt with robustly."

This comes after the fatal stabbing of the three children, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

A police car parked near Watts Park in SouthamptonA police car parked near Watts Park in Southampton (Image: NQ)

Despite police later confirming the suspect was born in Cardiff, it sparked a wave of anti-immigration protests across the UK.

It is understood a protest will take place this evening in Southampton - mirroring a number across the country - with a counter-protest organised by Southampton Stand Up To Racism at 7 pm at The Peace Fountain in East Park.

Ch Supt Rowlinson said: "The violent disorder seen across the country in recent days has been concerning, and I know that our communities will not want to see this kind of activity where they live and work.

"We have been engaging with local residents and partner organisations, to ensure we hear any concerns they have and will continue to do so in the coming days and weeks.

"Our patrol plans and officer work patterns are also under regular review, so we are in a position to deal with any incidents should they occur.

"This includes reviewing all intelligence available to us, whether this is provided to us in person or being discussed online.

"Any attempt to turn the lawful right to protest into an opportunity to commit criminal acts will not be tolerated, and anyone who seeks to do so will be dealt with robustly."

City councillor Toqeer Kataria has urged members of the public to “exercise caution" this evening and to avoid the protest area.

Several businesses have closed early as a precaution.