An anti-immigrant demonstration due to take place in Derry city has been called off.
The self-styled Protect Our Children protest was due to take place in the predominantly unionist Dale’s Corner area of the Waterside on Friday afternoon.
In a social media post the organisers described themselves as “concerned citizens” and said the demonstration had not been “organised by any organisations or groupings”.
United Against Racism, which organised Wednesday’s anti-racism rally in Derry’s Guildhall Square, said in a statement, people right across the city had been “alarmed to hear a racist protest was being organised in the Waterside”.
It added: “After receiving assurances from organisations working within the Waterside that the anti-immigrant rally will not take place, we have decided not to organise a formal counter protest.
“United Against Racism members will be at Dale’s Corner to monitor the situation and if any racists attempt to have a demonstration, we will call on supporters to challenge them.
“It is clear, no-one from the Waterside wants these fascists there. Derry is united against racism. We will not allow division.”
The Derry demonstration was the first anti-immigrant event planned for the city, following the racist violence which has taken place in Belfast since last Saturday.
Before its apparent cancellation, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi-Barr said she has received assurances from PSNI Derry City and Strabane Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney police were working to protect migrant communities across the city and district.
A Sinn Féin delegation also met with the leadership of the PSNI in Derry amid concerns over the demonstration.
