Councillor Johnston said while people have the right to protest, scenes witnessed across Northern Ireland in recent days should not be replicated in the local area.

“The right to peacefully protest is a crucial aspect of our democracy, but we have seen people going out to deliberately cause violence and mayhem, while stoking racial tension,” she said.

“That is not acceptable anywhere. We have seen other areas descend into unrest and chaos, which achieves nothing except creating fear, hate and division, while also seeing the mindless destruction of people’s own areas and vital public services. I don’t want to see the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area be the same.

“My heart goes out to all the newcomer and ethnic minority families who will not doubt be feeling fearful at this time. I want to reassure them the vast majority of people in our community are decent, inclusive and welcoming. 

“I appeal to anyone looking at social media posts concerning planned protests to avoid them, and to those attempting to organise such protests, I urge to think again – remember there is a young girl at the heart of this situation and please don’t use her trauma and pain as an excuse to cause trouble locally.”