A business in Stevenage has announced it will be closing its store early today due to "speculated unrest" in the town.

Rumours have been circulating that riots, which have taken place in multiple towns and cities across the UK in the last week, could now take place in the town.

One business took to social media and confirmed that it will close early due to the speculation, and that the "team’s safety and your safety comes first".

It also said that some "surrounding businesses are taking these steps".

Earlier today, Herts police posted a statement reassuring residents due to "communities feeling concerned by social media speculation amid national news".

A shop in the Oval also confirmed it will be closing charity shops in the area, saying: "Dear all, with information from the police and our HQ, due to potential protesting in our area, we have been told to close our shops to ensure our safety.

"Please don't take any unnecessary risks and stay safe peeps."

"I would like to reassure Hertfordshire residents and businesses that your neighbourhood policing teams are here alongside you, working hard in the community to reassure people and keep them safe," said Chief Superintendent Ruth Dodsworth.

"Hertfordshire is a safe county and we want people to feel safe to go about their lives as normal. Across the country policing is always prepared to tackle any problems and Hertfordshire is no different.

"I would like to highlight the dangers of disinformation in the current climate. We would encourage you to report any disinformation and criminal behaviour to the police online at https://orlo.uk/AZi1Y on 101 or by calling 999 if there is a crime in progress."