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Some retailers have been advised to "err on the side of caution" amid worries of further disorder following vandalism, arson and looting in recent days.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Shops have been urged to close early in areas where far-right gatherings are planned following vandalism, arson and looting in parts of the country.

The Association Of Convenience Stores, which represents around 50,000 small retailers in the UK, said it was advising its members to "err on the side of caution" following riots in recent days.

Chief executive James Lowman told Sky News shopkeepers were "very, very concerned" about further disorder, amid reports up to 30 further gatherings are planned for Wednesday evening.

Businesses - including shops and hotels providing accommodation for asylum seekers - have been attacked by rioters during the disturbances.

Several stores have also been hit by looting, including branches of Greggs and Lush in Hull, and a Sainsbury's Local supermarket in Manchester.

It came as fellow trade body the British Retail Consortium held emergency talks on the riots on Wednesday.

Police and government representatives also attended the meeting, which mainly focused on safety measures. Further talks are planned if the riots continue.

Mr Lowman said retailers faced a dilemma over whether to close early, as not all planned gatherings would necessarily go ahead and some previous disturbances had happened at random.

He added: "As well as police information, you've also got misinformation online, rumours, and so on.

"So it's really difficult for retailers to make that decision. We would always urge retailers to err on the side of caution to make sure that they and their colleagues are safe."

He added that "mercifully" his association had not received many reports of attacks on individuals or arson attacks on convenience stores, but described it as "pure luck of the draw".