A group supporting refugees has been forced to postpone a popular annual event following "intimidation from far-right thugs". 

Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees (BRWR) has condemned the unrest and rioting that has forced the group to postpone its picnic in the park event. 

The event, which was supposed to be held on Saturday (August 10), takes place every summer and sees refugees, their friends and volunteers come together to share food and play games. 

The group was forced to postpone the picnic in the park due to the fear created by recent rioting and said a future event in Redditch might also not go ahead as planned. 

Yvonne Rendell, chair of BRWR, said: "This should have been a lovely, fun occasion with the sharing of food and the playing of games. 

"But the intimidation of far-right thugs had cast a dark shadow over everything. 

"Although no demonstrations were planned in the area, we would never risk placing our refugee friends in any situations where they might face the sort of prejudice shown by these thugs."

West Mercia Police has reassured communities that it is prepared to deal with any violent disorder and will not tolerate acts of hate. 

BRWR said due to the "fluid" situation, it decided to postpone the event as the picnic would have been in an open park with free public access so they did not want to put anyone at risk. 

Ms Rednell said: "Many of our refugee friends, and the asylum seekers we have also helped, have endured unimaginable trauma, escaping war, persecution and often serious threats to their lives. 

"Most of them are now too worried to leave their homes. For these friends to be living in fear in a country where they sought sanctuary, due to a small minority that is using immigration as an excuse to create division and hatred, is truly heartbreaking. 

"The claim that attacking police officers, looting shops and setting a hotel alight is any contribution to the debate over immigration would be laughable if it wasn't so very sad."

Around 80 BRWR volunteers support 200 refugees and although many members of the group did not want to bow to the rioters' intimidation, they felt that protecting their friends had to be their first priority. 

But the group said it has been reassured by the response of the majority. 

Ms Rednell added: "To see thousands on the streets confronting racism and prejudice is extremely heartening. 

"This shows that most people are kind, generous and welcoming, which is exactly what we've experienced in both Redditch and Bromsgrove."

BRWR now plans to reschedule any picnics that are postponed later in the year. 

Anyone who would like to join BRWR or support refugees and asylum seekers can contact info@brwr.uk