Amir Khan has hit out at far-right hooligans for draping themselves in the Union Jack during violent riots.

The Olympic boxer,who won a silver medal at Athens 2004,spoke out over thugs using the Southport attacks to legitimise widespread disorder.

It comes as police are bracing for a weekend of fresh riots,while masked demonstrators are already clashing in Belfast.

Discussing rioters wearing the flag,the 37-year-old boxer told the Mirror: 'It's an insult. 

'These Olympians are bringing honour to our country,that flag is for heroes,not these morons. 

Police have ramped up their presence ahead of what is feared to be a weekend of riots

Regarding the riots today,Keir Starmer has warned against complacency as a 'standing army' of 6,000 officers remain on standby amid fears thugs could take advantage of hot weather and the return of the football season to fuel more unrest.

The Prime Minister's comments follow consecutive nights of relative quiet across England,as more than 595 suspected rioters were arrested,150 charged and several handed jail terms to deter further disorder.

Speaking during a visit to Met Police headquarters,Sir Keir said the start of the football season would be 'added into the mix' of challenges facing authorities this weekend.

'We have to stay on high alert going into this weekend because we absolutely have to make sure that our communities are safe and secure,' he said.

Temperatures of up to 33C (91F) could hit parts of the country this weekend in a 'short-lived but quite intense' hot spell - which may disappoint police chiefs hoping for rain to keep crowds off the streets.

BelfastTeam GBAmir KhanKeir Starmer