Businesses have taken the difficult decision to close early due to the threat of far-right protests in the borough later this evening.

GP practices in Harrow have sent letters to patients advising them that they will close, according to online reports.

Harrow town centre is following suit, while mosques have cancelled all events for the day.

Police are braced for the possibility of more violence to break out after an alleged far-right hit list revealing plans to target dozens of immigration centres was released online.

Harrow is reportedly among 30 UK locations where far-right agitators are encouraging disruption around immigration centres.

Images seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) appear to show that some businesses have already begun boarding up their windows in case of escalating violence, including restaurant Tax Anne in the town centre. 

Many more outlets are either already closed or expected to do so later this afternoon.

Police in Harrow ahead of threatened riots in the areaPolice in Harrow ahead of threatened riots in the area (Image: LDRS)

Pictures also show police vans already parked up along Station Road.

St Anns Shopping Centre confirmed to the LDRS that it would close its doors at 6pm this evening (August 7) ahead of any potential disturbance.

A local business centre decided to close all day after messages circulating on WhatsApp suggested protestors will target a small company in the shared building, according to Harrow Online.

Chairman of the recently formed North Harrow Traders Association, Moses Kazibwe, met with the local authorities and local police yesterday and was given assurances that they are "taking steps to protect local business and residents". 

He said: “Officers will be promptly deployed, and we do not want our community to be operating in fear. However, everyone should be alert and cautious.

"A number of traders have taken the reluctant decision to close early today which will have a financial impact on them. A real problem considering the current financial climate. We would like to encourage everyone to keep safe for the next couple of days.”

Small businesses in North Finchley, Barnet, which is also said to be targeted, have said they feel “frightened”. 

Foxtons being boarded up in North FinchleyFoxtons estate agent being boarded up in North Finchley (Image: PA)

Workers have today been seen boarding up shops while restaurants have their shutters down as police patrolled the area.

The Metropolitan Police has warned those planning to head to demonstrations it will not hesitate to arrest ‘hundreds’ of violent protestors.

In a damning public statement, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine condemned the ‘racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour’ that has swept across the UK since the tragic killing of three children in Southport last week.