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More than 400 people have been arrested as some demonstrations held across the UK turned violent over the last six days.

There were problems in places including Plymouth, Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool and Belfast, where people protesting clashed with police.

Other smaller demonstrations elsewhere did not have problems.

There has been several protests in places around the country over the last week, following an incident in Southport.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to give police forces the government's "full support".

What happened at the protests?

Demonstrations, some said to be organised by far-right groups, have been held in many towns and cities during the last five days.

Some of the protests turned violent with people attacking police officers, throwing things like bottles and damaging shops.

Far-right groups are people who have extreme views - often linked to immigration, race and national identity.

Not everyone attending the protests were from far-right groups.

Some of the protestors have been encouraged by misinformation spread online that has claimed that what happened in Southport was linked to illegal immigration.

In some cities, anti-racism demonstrators also gathered.

What has the government said?

Downing Street held an emergency response meeting on Monday and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to give police forces the government's "full support" to take action against "extremists" attempting to "sow hate".

The prime minister also said he would introduce a "standing army" of specialist police officers to deal with incidents across the UK.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper - she's the government minister who is in charge of the police - said: "Criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets."

She added it's important for communities to "feel safe on the streets".

At a meeting of government ministers on Saturday, a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer said the PM told those assembled that "the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things".

He added: "There is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe."