Some shops in Oldham town centre have reportedly closed early today as rumours online suggest the town could be hit next by rioters.

Following a troubled weekend of violence and disorder across the country, residents in Oldham and nearby Rochdale fear their towns could be next as far-right demonstrators may be planning further attacks on businesses, places of worship and hotels housing migrants.

Today (Monday, August 5), speculation has spread on social media that Oldham's town centre is "closing early" and is "being evacuated" out of fear of rioters arriving this evening.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind (TOG) charity confirmed in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that it closed its office from 4pm today but did not state why.

Another local business stated: "Nobody knows what’s happening. We’ve just brought our outside furniture in as a precaution and are being vigilant."

However, Greater Manchester Police confirmed it has not warned local businesses about any riots taking place and that some may have closed out of 'personal choice'.

A spokesperson for the force told The Oldham Times: "I've spoken to officers and we’ve not issued any messaging to that effect.

"Could well be personal choice or misinformation."

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk