Anti-racism protesters gathered in Carlisle city centre in response to unrest across the country sparked by the deaths of three girls on Merseyside.

More than 100 people attended a peaceful event at the city’s Market Square, carrying an array of banners and placards.

Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with riots and anti-immigration protests across the country following the fatal stabbing of the youngsters in Southport last month.

Alan McGuckin, chairman of Cumbria Against Racism, said people in the area had been “disturbed” by recent events and wanted to show “tolerance and inclusiveness”.

Jessica Latham, from Carlisle, told the BBC she had been “dismayed by the riots across the UK and the fear they’re putting into people”.

“I think it’s important people come out and show love and that people are welcome here,” she added.

Fellow Carlisle resident Kelvin Enabulele said he had been concerned by events elsewhere in the country with people “trying to spread hate and use racism as a weapon to divide communities”.

“I am black. I’ve lived here 16 years and Carlisle has been good to me,” he said.

“It’s the place I call home. This city is not racist.”

The event followed Cumbria Police imposing dispersal orders in Carlisle and in Barrow, in the south of the county, giving officers the power to tell groups of two or more people to leave the area if there are concerns over their behaviour.