The Metropolitan Police is continuing patrols to reassure communities in parts of London where far-right riots had been planned.

Despite concern over disorder in North Finchley, Harrow, Lewisham, Brentford, Croydon and Walthamstow, there was little disruption and peaceful counter-protests were held instead.

Only Croydon saw any disturbance, with eight arrests after around 50 people dragged and threw objects down the road and threw bottles at officers.

A Met statement said: “This is not linked to protest; this appears to be pure anti-social behaviour.”

The force says people in areas such as North Finchley will continue to see officers on reassurance patrols, in community hubs and places of worship.

Scotland Yard stressed that "this is not in response to any specific intelligence or concerns".  

More than 1,000 Met officers were deployed across the capital on Wednesday night (August 7) in response to planned riots across the city.

Unrest began after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on July 29 which continued even after lies that the suspect was an asylum seeker were proved false.

The Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine had previously warned that officers would use "every power, tactic and tool" to protect neighbourhoods from violence.  

DAC Valentine, who led Wednesday's policing response, said the Met's investigation into any disorder continues.

He said: "The majority of people engaged with officers and complied with conditions. These events passed without major incident or disruption.  

 “However, officers did face anti-social behaviour from a small group in Croydon who were not related to any protest, but were intent on causing trouble. 

  “We used a range of powers as part of our policing operation in order to keep people safe. This included the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across various locations, giving officers extra powers to stop and search people and request the removal of face coverings.

"As a result, officers seized a number of weapons.  

"I want to thank our communities for coming together across the capital and for showing community spirit this evening. I would also like to thank the committed officers who have been working hard to police London today, serving their communities and keeping people safe.”