A rally organised to protest the EU referendum result has been cancelled due to fears over safety.

More than 2,000 people were planning to attend the Manchester Stays rally, which was being held in Albert Square on Tuesday evening.

But organisers made the decision to cancel the event on Monday, explaining the “safety of all individuals cannot be guaranteed”.

A message on Facebook said the organisers plan to re-schedule their event to a later date, to make time for safety planning.

A separate group have now set up a similar event, saying they still intend to meet in Albert Square on Tuesday evening.

It is understood other referendum rallies set to take place at the same time across the UK, including London, have also been forced to cancel.

The message said: “The relevant contact has been made and we have been informed that at such short notice the safety of all individuals cannot be guaranteed and therefore the Stay Together: Manchester Event can no longer take place on Tuesday, June 28.

“The same issue has been experienced by the organisers that were due to hold events at the same time in other cities and all events are now due to be cancelled and rescheduled to a later date.

“This is of course disappointing news, but the safety of each individual is paramount. However, we intend to re-schedule the event to allow sufficient time to guarantee a safe and enjoyable event (hopefully next week).”

However some disappointed remain supporters have created a separate event and said they still intend to stage a rally on Tuesday evening.

The ManchesterStays! We Stand Together event is expected to take place at the same time this evening, with more than 400 people stating they will be attending.

A description for the event said: “The other ‘official’ event was cancelled. This event was created in answer to a continued interest in attending and showing support.

“This event was created because we felt disappointed at the whole referendum process. That something so profound could be decided with so much misinformation.”

It comes after the UK voted 51.9 per cent in favour of leaving the European Union on Thursday.

Manchester had the strongest Remain vote in the North West, but districts such as Wigan, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford voted to Leave.