Today will be both a critical and difficult day for the police service around the UK as officers deal with protests and the return of the football season.

There are both far-right and anti-racism gatherings planned at different locations around the country, while the start of the English Football League season means thousands of football fans will be travelling around the UK.

There will likely be some overlap in those groups for police to deal with, according to the former deputy assistant commissioner for the Metropolitan Police Stephen Roberts.

“Today will be a critical and really quite difficult day for the police service,” he told Sky News. 

“Not only do we have the potential for major demonstrations, but we also have the first Saturday of football season. 

“So police forces will be stretched, covering both potential football problems and public order problems. Although, I have to say, I think there’s probably quite a big overlap between them.”

So far, more than 700 people have been arrested in relation to the violent disorder that has swept the country in the last two weeks.

Around 300 have been charged for offences ranging from theft, antisocial behaviour and inciting violence online.

The first prison sentences for those involved in disorder have already been handed down, with some going behind bars for three years as their cases are fast-tracked through courts as a warning to would-be offenders.

“The alignment of the police service, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts has been a real achievement,” added Mr Roberts. 

“It means that there’s a clear message going out to people who might want to cause trouble and break the law – if you go out and break the law today, by the end of the week, you’ll be in prison. 

“And don’t expect to come out for Christmas or indeed next Christmas.”