A council in Sussex has said that counter-action will make Sussex Police's job harder as anti-immigration protests are planned.

It added that "hate, racism and thuggery have no place" in its town.

Hastings Borough Council has released a joint statement in partnership with the Hastings and Rye MP and other key community figures following rumours of far-right action this evening.

Far-right riots have been causing devastation across the country since the Southport stabbings last week.

There are unconfirmed reports of similar unrest in several Sussex locations this evening, including Brighton and Hastings.

READ MORE: Live updates as Sussex prepares for potential riots

The council has said it has given Sussex Police its “full backing in taking the strongest possible action to keep the community safe” and has warned that anyone taking part in criminal activity “will face the full force of the law”.

Sussex Police said they are bringing in "significant additional and specialist resources" in locations across Sussex due to the rumours.

The statement, issued jointly by MP Helena Dollimore, Councillor Julia Hinton, leader of Hastings Borough Council, Imam Yusuf, Father David Hill and Hastings Football Club, reads: “As community leaders, we are coming together to urge everyone in Hastings to let the police do their job today, and not get drawn into any counter-action that may make the work of our police harder.

Read more: 'We will make you regret your actions,' Sussex Police tell rioters

“The best way to show that those seeking to divide us will not succeed is to simply go about our business as usual.

“This week we have seen many wonderful events as part of Old Town Carnival week. These charity events will continue as planned this evening and show the best of our community.

“This is the true spirit of Hastings, not the scenes of violent, racist thuggery we have seen elsewhere in the country.

“To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, please know that this violent mob do not represent our country or British values. Hate, racism and thuggery have no place in our town.”