A Norfolk MP has been accused of making the "police's job harder" by announcing he intends to attend a street demonstration in Norwich amid a febrile atmosphere across the UK.

Clive Lewis, the MP for Norwich South, published details of the event on X (Twitter), saying he would join a counter-protest taking place at a site in the city's outskirts.

In the message, he claimed the location may be at "possible risk" from far-right groups.

However, others - including his former Tory rival at last month's election - have criticised him, saying he risks inflaming the situation.

Online, Mr Lewis said: "I’m proud to stand with my community here in Norwich - to stop violence - not start it."David Thomas, former Conservative parliamentary candidate for Norwich SouthDavid Thomas, former Conservative parliamentary candidate for Norwich South (Image: William Warnes)

David Thomas, Norwich Conservative and former election rival, said: "Violent disorder is unacceptable and I am glad Mr Lewis is willing to take a clear stand.

"But he is a member of the governing party of Britain, not a student protestor. he should be spending his time bringing riots to an end, not turning up to things that make the police's job harder."

Other people responded directly to Mr Lewis on Twitter, saying he was "inflaming the situation."

His actions have also been criticised by Gary Blundell, a South Norfolk councillor for the area.

In a statement on Facebook, he said police had plans in place “to deal with any situation” and that the “best course of action” was for people to avoid the area and to let officers do their jobs.

Mr Blundell did not name Mr Lewis but added: “Hopefully all the noise by the MP will come to nothing and our amazing area of Norwich will be forgotten about by any protestors just out to cause issues and destruction.”