UK police prepare for far-right rallies with biggest mobilisation since 2011 riots

The Metropolitan police in London is sending 200 riot officers to provide reinforcements to the Greater Manchester forces. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

Police are staging their biggest mobilisation to counter disorder since the 2011 riots with over 100 gatherings led by the far right expected to take place on Wednesday.

The number was higher than previously thought, with rallies expected to take place across most of the country, police said. 41 of the 43 local police force areas in England and Wales are bracing for potential violence.