Nineteen people were arrested and eight people, including teenagers, have been charged, after rival demonstrations were held in Greater Manchester at the weekend.

Disorder broke out in Manchester city centre and Bolton, along with other cities across England, after the Southport knife attacks.

Five men and two 16-year-olds have been charged with possessing weapons and one man has been charged with assault, Greater Manchester Police said.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson said he expected further arrests, adding that while some people had attended for “peaceful protest”, others had set out to “cause trouble”.

The force said five arrests were made on Saturday when demonstrations were held in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, while 14 were made as rival sides were kept apart by police in Bolton on Sunday.

Mr Watson said those arrested came from “all political and cultural backgrounds”.

Lawbreakers would face “consequences for inciting hate and causing damage”, he added.

Officers are gathering “extensive video evidence” and witness testimonies which could lead to more suspects being identified.

“Our intelligence teams are working vigorously with support from the full force to identify further criminal behaviour and locate those responsible,” Mr Watson said.

“Justice will be forthwith.”