The tensions between the Muslim and Hindu communities in Leicestershire peaked, following the Pakistan vs India cricket match on August 28th.

The violence began following the match as Pakistan was defeated by India. Currently, 27 people have been arrested following a "series of disturbances" and the Leicester police have pleaded for calm.

Suleman Nagdi, of the Leicester-based Federation of Muslim Organisations, has said: "What we have seen on the streets is very alarming.

"There have been problems in the community since the India and Pakistan cricket match and while that game often sparks gatherings they have not in the past turned this ugly.

"We need calm - the disorder has to stop and it has to stop now. There are some very dissatisfied young men who have been causing havoc.

"We need to get the message out that this must end and try to do this through parents and grandparents talking to their sons."

Sanjiv Patel, representative of the Hindu and Jain temples across Leicester, emphasised how the protests saddened and shocked him as he said: "We have lived in harmony in the city for many decades but over the past few weeks, it is clear there are things that need to be discussed around the table to get out what people are unhappy about.

"Resorting to violence is not the way to deal with this.

"We are horrified and deplore what was going on (yesterday) and across the last two weeks.

"Across the Hindu and Jain community and with our Muslim brothers and sisters and leaders we are consistently saying 'calm minds, calm heads'."

Further, Patel also warned against social media propaganda and disinformation as he continued: "Violence is not a solution to anything. This has to be a time for peace, calm and engagement."

The Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon has stated that the series of incidents which have led to "an outbreak of disorder" in the East Leicester area have been reported.

Nixon added: "We have got officers there, we are taking control of the situation, there are additional officers en route and dispersal powers, stop search powers, have been authorised,"

"Please do not get involved, we are calling for calm."

The clips and photos shared on social media showed protestors marching through the city which sparked the disorder.

A witness stated: "It was like crowds walking away from a football match,"

"There were police blocking the road. Officers literally stood shoulder to shoulder blocking Uppingham road".

The Leicestershire police have released a statement in regards to the "unplanned protest".

It reads: "Officers attempted to engage with the group and remain with them whilst additional officers were called in. They sought to keep actions lawful but, regrettably, the situation led to disorder,"

It is said a "significant police operation" will continue in the area over the next coming days.