Police have issued a message ahead of planned protests taking place today.

Civil unrest is set to continue across the country after a teenage knifeman stabbed and killed three primary-school aged children in Southport on Monday.

This prompted a violent riot in the town and demonstrations further afield.

According to a list published by Hope Not Hate, a protest is due to take place in Portsmouth this morning.

However, there are no protests planned for Southampton.

Hampshire Constabulary's assistant chief constable Paul Bartolomeo said officers are prepared to deal with any incidents of disorder and reassure residents.

He said: “As we said on Thursday (August 1), our role is to protect people’s lawful right to protest, while also preventing serious disorder and disruption to the community.

“This is what happened on Wednesday evening and our specialist teams, who are very experienced in policing protests and managing that balance, were able to take swift and decisive action when a small number of people began committing criminal offences.

“It is totally unacceptable to turn that lawful right into criminal acts and this will not be tolerated in Hampshire and Isle of Wight."

READ MORE: Hampshire sees civil unrest as protest descends into chaos

He added: “As we have shown this week, we will take action against those who commit criminal offences, using all investigative tactics available to us.

“Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, officers will take a robust stance against those who choose to act outside of the law.”

The warning comes after a riot broke out in Aldershot earlier this week after protestors threw objects and shouted racial abuse outside a hotel housing migrants.

Police have since confirmed the protest was not linked to the events in Southport earlier in the week.

The group were dispersed quickly but an officer was injured in the affray.

Police are now hoping to speak with several people about the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting 44240326041.