Bottles and fireworks have been thrown at police and objects dragged down the road after around 50 people gathered in Croydon, police said.

       The Metropolitan Police said the disruption is “not linked to protest” and that it appears to be “pure anti-social behaviour”.

       It comes after more than 100 areas across the UK were put on high alert with thousands of specialist officers on standby due to the threat of far right riots.

       Rumours began circulating on social media that far-Right groups were planning to hold demonstrations across the UK on Wednesday night.

       Huge counter-protests have arrived instead, with thousands holding peaceful protests in Walthamstow, Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol.

       READ MORE: UK riot police ban face masks as they issue 'stay home' warning

       Police arrested eight people on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences.

       More arrests will follow, the force added.

       In a post on social media, the force said: “Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon.

       “They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder.

       “They’ve dragged and thrown objects down the road, and thrown bottles at officers.

       “This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure anti-social behaviour. Officers are moving in numbers to make arrests.”

       Violence erupted on Britain's streets after three young girls were killed last week.

       Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died after the stabbing at the Hart Space in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday July 29.

       Axel Rudakubana, 18, from Banks, Lancashire, will stand trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

       Riots first took place in Southport before spreading over the weekend following reports surrounding the suspect's identity.