Britain is braced for further riot mayhem after hundreds of protesters draped in England flags set off flares at a rally in Sunderland.

Protesters were seen waving union flags and chanting support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, amid concerns that extremist groups are looking to trigger a fresh wave of violence.

Thugs were also seen spraying cans of beer all over a police vehicle in the town centre, while shouting ‘let’s have it’ and ‘it’s our country’.

The protests follow rioting in several towns in the wake of the tragic stabbing in Southport.

It comes as hundreds of mosques are beefing up their security of fears that planned rallies in the wake of the Southport stabbings will spill over into full-on riots this weekend. 

Officers with shields were seen protecting the city’s Millfield Mosque as a large mob surrounded the place of worship.

Protesters draped in England flags let off flares in Sunderland town centre

Police arrest a man wearing a balaclava and blue hoodie ahead of the protest

Police with shields protect Millfield Mosque in Sunderland, as places of worship beef up security amid fears of further violence

Protesters in Sunderland cover a police car with beer from cans

Protesters hold a union jack banner reading ‘stop mass immigration. Save British Youth. How many more British need to die’ 

A bus stop smashed in the centre of Sunderland with shards of glass all over the pavement

A topless protester waves an England flag in front of police officers near Millfield Mosque

Protesters outside an Aldi store in Sunderland as police on horseback attempt to control the crowds

Armed police watch over protesters near an Aldi store in Sunderland

Police mounted on horseback attempt to control the crowds in Sunderland town centre

Protesters with English and British flags stand around a fountain in Sunderland town centre

In another picture of tonight’s protest, a bus stop was shown smashed with shattered glass covering the pavement.

Protesters from a group called Youth Alliance were seen holding a union jack banner with the words ‘Stop mass immigration. Save British Youth. How many more British need to die?’

Others were shown making a stand in front of police, waving flags while topless. 

Police were also seen arresting a man wearing a balaclava, as security tightened up ahead of the planned protest.

The action is the latest following the stabbing in Southport in which three young children were killed and eight others suffered knife wounds.