Protesters let off flares in Sunderland amid fears of recent riot wave

Britain is braced for further riot mayhem after hundreds of protesters draped in England flags set off flares at a rally in Sunderland.

Protesters were seen waving union flags and chanting support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, amid concerns that extremist groups are looking to trigger a fresh wave of violence.

Thugs were also seen spraying cans of beer all over a police vehicle in the town centre.

The protests follow rioting in several towns in the wake of the tragic stabbing in Southport.

It comes as hundreds of mosques are beefing up their security of fears that planned rallies in the wake of the Southport stabbings will spill over into full-on riots this weekend. 

Protesters draped in England flags let off flares in Sunderland town centre

Protesters in Sunderland cover a police car with beer from cans