More than 600 people attended a protest in Oxford last night amid fears of a mosque and refugee centre being targeted.

Oxford Stand Up To Racism organised its second protest of the week on Wednesday night after a unity rally by Carfax Tower in the city centre on Monday.

A couple of hundred people had attended the initial demonstration earlier in the week but Wednesday’s rally saw a far higher turnout.

It is understood that more than 600 protestors turned out at Magdalen Road to address the outbreaks of violence and chaos which have been witnessed across the country in recent days.

READ MORE: Crowds flock to Oxford for major protest as it happened

Following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport, riots and violent scenes have broken out in various UK towns and cities with an anti-immigration sentiment at the forefront.

Oxford Stand Up To Racism decided that Asylum Welcome, an organisation that provides advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees in the area, and a local mosque needed “defending from the far-right”.

With fears that either could be targeted by extremist political groups, the director of Asylum Welcome revealed that he was “very concerned” ahead of the protest.

Mark Goldring said: “Obviously we were very concerned but we were even more concerned about the events of last week and the weekend, both in Southport but also in asylum hotels and cities across England – so alarm levels were rising among our clients, volunteers and staff even before we knew of the specific targeting we learned of yesterday.”

READ MORE: Refugee centre ‘very concerned’ amid Oxford protest

The protest in Oxford n Wednesday evening saw over 600 people attend.The protest in Oxford n Wednesday evening saw over 600 people attend. (Image: Newsquest)

What followed was a peaceful protest by hundreds of Oxford’s residents in a show of solidarity against scenes of terror up and down the country.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) had said that they would “swiftly deal with” any possible offenders on the night looking to disturb the peace.

The force was stationed at both ends of the road as well as directly by the protest and any side street to make sure things ran smoothly.

After the protest, a statement from TVP said: “The peaceful protest in Oxford has now dispersed.

“Thank you to those who engaged with our officers on scene and for your patience and cooperation while we facilitated this demonstration.”

READ MORE: More Oxford protests planned this week

Signs were held aloft by protesters with messages such as “hope not hate”, “end racism now” and “no to fascism in Oxford”.

Oxford Stand Up To Racism (OSUTR) added: “What a fantastic night for our side.

“At least 600 mobilised in Oxford to oppose the threat of the far right targeting Asylum Welcome and a local mosque.

“Protesters also defended a local refugee hotel. No show from fascists.

READ MORE: Violent thugs ‘not welcome in our city’: Community defiant over protests

Signs were held high at the protest on Magdalen Road.Signs were held high at the protest on Magdalen Road. (Image: Newsquest)

OSUTR say that there are further demonstrations scheduled for later this week.

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