Businesses in Southampton are set to close early today with two protests taking place in the city centre this evening.

It comes after a list of demonstrations are set to take place across the country tonight were posted on Telegram, including a protest in Southampton, following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport last week.

Southampton Stand Up To Racism is set to hold a counter-protest at The Peace Fountain in East Park at 7pm, in the wake of riots sweeping across the country.

Opting to close early, Café Thrive in Hanover Buildings has announced they’ll shut at 3pm for the “safety and wellbeing of their staff.”

READ MORE: Southampton anti-racism protest planned in East Park

In a Facebook post, the café informed followers: “Along with other local businesses, we've taken the decision to close early on Wednesday, August 7, (3pm) due to planned and potentially dangerous activity organised for the city centre.

“Sorry for any inconvenience caused, hope you can all appreciate this is for the safety and wellbeing of our staff, customers and delivery drivers. Take away only from 2.30pm.”

They added: “Thank you for understanding and please stay safe.”

Fit 4 Her gym located on London Road will also close early prior to this evening’s protests.

In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for the gym said: “For the safety of all our gym members and staff, we will be closing Fit 4 Her gym at 6pm (Wednesday, August 7).

“Last entry for the spa area will be 5pm. If any members have any concerns or issues, please let us know directly. Please stay safe.”

Southampton Test MP, Satvir Kaur, said those wanting to cause violence in our city do not represent Southampton.

She previously said: “We are the great city we are because of our diversity, rather than in spite of it.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in our communities.

“Everything must be done to ensure they do, including those responsible being held to account, and no form of criminality or hate being tolerated.”

Diego's Rotisserie, a Portuguese restaurant in Bedford Place has also announced it will be shut today amid the risk of "potentially dangerous activity," this evening.

Informing Facebook followers, a spokesperson for the restaurant said: "Along with other local businesses, we've taken the decision to close today, August 7, due to planned and potentially dangerous activity organised for the city centre.

"Sorry for any inconvenience caused, hope you can all appreciate this is for the safety and wellbeing of our staff, customers and everyone in general."