Fireworks were let off and a police van was damaged as far-right and anti-racist demonstrators clashed in Plymouth amid a wave of mob violence sweeping the UK.
The protesters clashed as campaign group Stand Up To Racism and a “stop the boats” rally met at Guildhall Square in Plymouth this evening.
Devon and Cornwall Police also said violence had been carried out against its officers and a riot van had been damaged during the confrontation.
In Birmingham, balaclava-clad rioters waving Palestinian flags were seen smashing a car as rumours of a far-right rally in the city circulated online.
It comes as almost 400 people have been arrested over the mob violence spreading across the UK, with the prime minister setting up a “standing army” of specialist police officers to deal with further attacks.
Sir Keir Starmer has held an emergency Cobra meeting after far-right mobs carried out racist attacks and set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth.
Have you been affected by this? Email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Crowds and police clash in Plymouth
- Six arrested in Plymouth
- Countries issue safety warnings over travel to UK amid riots
- 378 arrested with more expected to come
- ‘Standing army’ of specialist police offices to be set up
- One child remains in hospital after Southport attack
Police investigate assault in Birmingham
23:42
Alexander Butler
West Midlands Police are investigating reports of an assault and criminal damage to a pub and multiple vehicles after a large group of people gathered in Birmingham.
People gathered in Bordesley, Birmingham, after rumours of a far-right rally circulated online, with footage emerging of masked protesters saying “F*** the EDL, free Palestine”.
Police are also investigating reports of a man who was in possession of an offensive weapon. No arrests have yet been made, the force added.
Six arrested in Plymouth
23:35
Alexander Butler
Six people have been arrested in Plymouth after the far-right and anti-racists clashed amid a wave of mob violence sweeping the UK.
Writing on X, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We have made six arrests following events in Plymouth today (Monday 5 August).
“During the evening, we saw levels of violence across the city and several officers sustained minor injuries as a result.”
#UPDATE | We have made six arrests following events in #Plymouth today (Monday 5 August).
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) August 5, 2024
During the evening, we saw levels of violence across the city and several officers sustained minor injuries as a result.
Full statement: https://t.co/z9yFaThRx9 pic.twitter.com/3kWOo8igVF
Birmingham rioters will ‘face consequences’, Jess Phillips says
23:11
Alexander Butler
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said perpetrators of violence in Birmingham “will face the consequences no matter who they are”.
The Home Office minister, who is the MP for Birmingham Yardley, tweeted: “The police have attended all sites of violence tonight and all those perpetrating it will face the consequences no matter who they are.
“Thanks to all residents who have acted with grace and kindness and have kept people informed so actions could be taken.”
Ms Phillips had reposted text from Birmingham Police’s account, which read: “We have been working hard alongside our community leaders and would like to thank everyone for their support today.”
The MP had earlier written: “People in Yardley are scared tonight. We have directed police to all locations of violence we are hearing about. Any acts of violence will not be tolerated.”
The police have attended all sites of violence tonight and all those perpetrating it will face the consequences no matter who they are. Thanks to all residents who have acted with grace and kindness and have kept people informed so actions could be taken. https://t.co/z7geqakl9A
— Jess Phillips (@jessphillips) August 5, 2024
Pictured: Far-right in Plymouth
22:37
Alexander Butler
Watch: Police knock man down with riot shield in Plymouth protest
22:26
Alexander Butler
Rioters smash car in Birmingham
21:30
Alexander Butler
Balaclava-clad rioters waving Palestinian flags smashed a car in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.
Footage shows how they attacked the car as the driver was seemingly trying to flee.
Watch: Protesters in Birmingham surround TV reporter and slash tyres of broadcast van
21:27
Alexander Butler
Plymouth mob ‘not what town is about’, MP says
21:27
Alexander Butler
Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard said protesters who have “thrown projectiles at people” are “not what Plymouth is about”.
In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “There is absolutely no place for violence on our streets. There’s no place for hate on our streets.
“Plymouth is a brilliant place to live, work and play. The diversity of our city makes us stronger - doesn’t make us weaker.
“And we know that those people who have come to our city tonight, who have brought violence onto our streets, who have thrown projectiles at people, who have abused people because of their background or their skin colour or their faith, they have no place in our city.
“That’s not what Plymouth is about - that’s not who we are. Thank you to the police for keeping us safe, to services from the city council to local businesses who have all taken steps to reassure people, to keep people safe.
“We have still got a long way to go tonight, but there is no place for hate in Plymouth, no place for violence on our streets.”
My statement on the protests in Plymouth city centre this evening. pic.twitter.com/MCj5SiOt8O
— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) August 5, 2024
Watch: Peaceful vigil in Southport a week on from killings of three girls
21:09
Alexander Butler
Crowds gather in Birmingham
21:02
Alexander Butler
A huge crowd wearing balaclavas and face masks turned up in Birmingham after rumours of a far-right rally circulated online.
Jess Philips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, said: “These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them”.
These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them. This misinformation was spread entirely to create this content. Don't spread it MR Tice! https://t.co/l03oTp7fdB
— Jess Phillips (@jessphillips) August 5, 2024
Children could face life-changing consequences for rioting, director of public prosecutions warns
20:49
Alexander Butler
Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, warned children who get involved in disorder could face life-long consequences.
“One of the most striking features of the current outbreak of disorder is that many young people are involved. Children as young as 11. This is deeply disturbing,” he said.
“They may face life-long consequences: conviction, and a permanent record of their involvement on the Police National Database. This can limit their employment options in the future and ability to travel to certain countries.
“For adults, these offences can attract lengthy sentences of imprisonment, beyond the two-year maximum detention available for young offenders.
“Sentencing is a matter for the judiciary, but from the evidence that I have seen, sentencing guidelines suggest that immediate imprisonment will be appropriate for the type of violent disorder that has been witnessed.
“If this seems harsh, the reality, from reports I have received from prosecutors, is that there has been a terrible impact on communities: people barricaded in properties, businesses destroyed and police officers facing violence while trying to keep people safe.”
List of immigration officers shared
20:44
Alexander Butler
Concern for the safety of lawyers has been voiced after a list of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies were shared as targets for gatherings in the coming days.
A message believed to have been widely shared on chat groups lists addresses for immigration law specialists and advice organisations across England, and invites people to “mask up” if they go.
Tell Mama, a group monitoring Islamophobia in the UK, said it had alerted police and counter-terrorism to the “far-right threats”.
Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson condemned the violence which has already taken place, and said they have “serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of our members” after the list was shared giving “targets for further protest and violence this week”.
He described such gatherings as a “direct assault on our legal profession” and therefore a “direct assault on our democratic values”.
Arrests on going in Plymouth, police say
20:38
Alexander Butler
Devon and Cornwall Police said “arrests are ongoing” after a police van was damaged and officers were met with “a level of violence” during demonstrations in Plymouth.
In a post on social media, the force said: “We have seen a level of violence towards officers in Plymouth and a police van has been damaged.
“We are taking action against individuals who are intent on criminality. Arrests are ongoing.”
Devon police issue update
20:36
Alexander Butler
UPDATE | Silver Command unit are continuing to monitor the situation on the ground in #Plymouth & continuing to deploy resources as and when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/lRkezDM2XG
— Devon & Cornwall Police (@DC_Police) August 5, 2024
Crowds and police clash in Plymouth
20:17
Alexander Butler
Stones have been thrown as far-right and anti-racist demonstrators clashed in Plymouth amid a wave of violence sweeping the UK.
The protesters clashed as campaign group Stand Up To Racism and a “stop the boats” protest met at Guildhall Square in Plymouth this evening.
Devon and Cornwall Police also said violence had been carried out against its officers and a riot van had been damaged during the confrontation.
How a few Twitter posts on Elon Musk’s X helped fan the flames of unrest and rioting across the UK
20:15
Alexander Butler
People inciting disorder online ‘can be as guilty as rioters’, legal expert says
20:00
Alexander Butler
Anyone who posted on social media assisting or encouraging the disorder on Britain’s streets in recent days could be prosecuted over the violence, even if they were were not at the scene, a legal expert has warned.
Mark Jones, partner at law firm Payne Hicks Beach, said individuals “do not need to be present when the crime itself is carried out, yet can be as guilty as the person who commits the crime itself”.
The warning comes as Sir Keir Starmer said anyone whipping up violence online will face “the full force of the law”.
Letters: Far-right thugs holding British flags should be charged with treason
19:45
Alexander Butler
Pictured: Southport vigil
19:24
Alexander Butler
London mayor pays tribute to Southport victims
19:14
Alexander Butler
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has paid tribute to the three children killed in Southport and hit out at “far-right agitators” causing violence across the country.
Mr Khan said: “My thoughts remain with all those affected by the abhorrent attack in Southport last week. The rioting and violence we have seen across the country in the last few days has been utterly shocking.
“There is simply no place in our society for the violence, racism and Islamophobia we have witnessed - disorder fuelled by a toxic combination of far-right agitators and online disinformation.”
Musk responds to Starmer's concern about attacks on Muslims
19:02
Alexander Butler
Elon Musk has used his X platform - widely criticised over the past week for hosting disinformation about the Southport attack, which has partly inflamed the subsequent riots - to question Sir Keir Starmer’s response.
The prime minister tweeted a clip of a statement he gave this morning, where he reiterated his warning to rioters that they will face justice and offered his support to Muslim communities targeted by the far right.
“We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities,” his tweet read.
Musk responded: “Shouldn’t you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?”
This is not protest, it is pure violence.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 5, 2024
We will have a standing army of public duty officers.
We will ramp up criminal justice.
We will apply criminal law online as well as offline.
We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities. pic.twitter.com/C1SmjJjo4R
Sir Mark Rowley apologises for grabbing reporter’s microphone
18:51
Alexander Butler
Met police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has apologised for grabbing a reporter’s microphone and knocking it to the floor.
Sir Mark bizarrely grabbed a journalist’s microphone cover as he was asked about the UK police’s response to ongoing mob violence across the country.
Footage from Sky News captured Sir Mark leaving the cabinet office in Westminster on Monday after attending a Cobra meeting with the prime minister.
He said: “There’s been a story running all day about my exit from the meeting. This is a distraction from the critical events we are dealing with.
“In an effort to move a microphone out of my path I’m sorry that I knocked it to the floor. That was never my intention. We remain focused on the critical and urgent matters at hand.”
UK riots: What happens next as hundreds arrested over disorder?
18:44
Alexander Butler
There have now been about 420 arrests, with No 10 holding an emergency Cobra meeting to coordinate the government’s response.
Ministers will look at the lessons learnt from the UK’s response to the 2011 riots, after which a new framework was drawn for dealing with civil unrest.
Read here about how the UK’s criminal justice system could respond to the far-right riots in the coming weeks:
Rioters are ‘being pursued’, Staffordshire Police says
18:36
Alexander Butler
Staffordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “Police forces across the country all have the same message for the individuals involved in these incidents: you are being pursued and we are working around the clock to find you.
“Setting up the portal is going to give us a streamlined way of gathering all of the evidence required to track down those responsible and speak to the public who will no doubt have vital information that can help us.
“If you were in Stoke-on-Trent or Tamworth this weekend, tell us what you know. Do you have any footage of people in the area or information that can identify them?
“I’d like to assure local communities in Staffordshire that our efforts to find those involved are substantial. Our inquiries are progressing and we’re ready to deploy proactively to keep our communities safe.”
Pictured: People gather for vigil in Southport
18:21
Alexander Butler
Children blew bubbles as others placed flowers and heart-shaped balloons in front of The Atkinson arts centre in remembrance of the victims of the stabbing attack.
Families have gathered at a vigil in Southport a week on from the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
Three convicted for Sunderland violence
18:17
Alexander Butler
Two men and a woman have been convicted for their roles in the violent disorder that took place in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, last Friday.
Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the disgraceful scenes last Friday evening.
Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, and Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington both admitted the offence when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside today (Monday).
Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, admitted the same offence when appearing at Newcastle Crown Court. All three offenders have been remanded in custody until they are due to be sentenced.
Countries issue safety warnings over travel to UK amid riots
18:04
Alexander Butler
Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all issued travel alerts to their nationals visiting the UK as far-right violence sweeps across the country.
Australia’s government advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution”, adding: “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”
Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs warned nationals that the violence had “assumed dangerous proportions” and there was “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”.
Malaysia’s High Commission said: “Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”
The Indonesian embassy in London meanwhile advised its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.
‘Far-right thuggery’ is unacceptable, justice secretary says
17:48
Alexander Butler
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The far-right thuggery we have witnessed on our streets is completely unacceptable and contrary to the British notion of rule of law.
“The Prime Minister has been clear from the outset that those involved should expect to face the full force of our justice system.
“My message to anyone who chooses to take part in this violence is simple. The police, courts and prisons stand ready and you will face the consequences of these appalling acts.”
Businesses close early ahead of Plymouth protest
17:36
Alexander Butler
Bars, restaurants and businesses in Plymouth have closed early ahead of two planned protests in the city on Monday evening.
Campaign group Stand Up To Racism is set to demonstrate at Guildhall Square from 6pm, with a “stop the boats” protest organised for 7pm.
‘We were in fear’: Rotherham residents after horror of far-right asylum hotel attack
17:22
Alexander Butler
When far-right rioters started throwing bottles at police officers guarding an asylum seeker hotel, local resident Becky Brunt decided it was time for her family to flee the area.
She had been watching the chaos unfold streets away from her estate on a TikTok live stream and as the crowds grew around their home she decided it would be safer to stay with her mother-in-law in Sheffield.
The family returned when the violence had died down at around midnight on Sunday night. And the next morning they spoke to The Independent from outside the hotel where they were clearing up after the devastation.
Police will become ‘fatigued’
17:18
Alexander Butler
Police officers will have their rest days cancelled as they face violence some have never seen before amid the riots - and they will become “fatigued” at some point, the Police Federation has said.
Broken bones and concussion are among the injuries police officers have suffered over six days of disorder which has seen hundreds of arrests in the wake of a knife attack in Southport last week which left three girls dead, the federation said.
It is not yet known how many police officers have been injured during the disorder.
Tiffany Lynch, acting national chairwoman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, told Times Radio: “What we’re actually seeing and our officers out there that are working incredibly hard for extended periods of duty, is unprecedented, and the violence that they’re actually facing, some have never faced before in their careers.
“We know of recorded injuries where we’ve had broken bones, concussion and such like, but we’re also seeing that these officers are working extended long hours and with the level of violence that they’re facing, they will be becoming fatigued at some point.”
Officers being ‘run ragged’ with rest days and leave cancelled
17:06
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Crime Correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
Brian Booth, deputy national chair of the Police Federation, told The Independent that front line officers are “absolutely being run ragged” doing 18 hour shifts as they face their sixth day of far-right unrest.
Officer morale was low before the rallies, he said, adding: “On top of this now some are not able to take annual leave with their families and having rest days cancelled to work long hours in very dangerous conditions.
“They will step up to the plate and do their duties without fear or favour to the best of their abilities but there has to be some recognition of that down the line.”
While forces are “well resourced” to cope with any further clashes, he said the long-term impact will be officers taken away from community policing as they dedicate thousands of hours to gathering evidence to secure convictions against rioters.
“All these offences of arson, assault and GBH, they will need to be investigated and evidence gathered and put before the courts and that takes officers time,” he added.
“I think we are in a really good position to deal with the here and now, the downside of this is the future months and months compiling evidence.”
Northern Ireland Assembly to be recalled
16:55
Athena Stavrou
The Northern Ireland Assembly is set to be recalled to discuss violent scenes following an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday.
MLAs will gather on Thursday at 12 noon to discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days.
The motion also “rejects all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism; endorses the work of voluntary sector organisations combatting racism and supporting those impacted by it; recognises the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other public sector bodies protecting our communities during the recent unrest; calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive; and further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set-out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 by the end of 2024”.
Nursing union condemns far-right race riots
16:47
Athena Stavrou
Responding to what she called the “far-right race riots in recent days”, Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “Migrant nursing staff are precious members of our communities, hardwired into the very DNA of our health and care services – we ask Government to ensure that anybody targeting them pays a very heavy price.
“Whether in their first months working here, or after decades working in our health system, our international colleagues are welcome, valued and owed a debt of gratitude.
“These scenes around the country are nothing short of despicable racism – they have no place in our society and we join fully in the condemnation of them. As an anti-racist organisation, the RCN will take a lead part in tackling this hatred wherever it rears its head.
“Employers have a duty of care to keep their staff safe at work. That includes those working in hospitals, but also those delivering care alone in community settings. Health leaders need to act urgently to reassure staff, review risk assessments and implement any measures necessary to keep workers safe.
“Nursing staff of every nationality and ethnic heritage are holding the health service together, dealing with the fallout of these racist attacks. They are a credit to our profession and a powerful reminder of the strength we find in diversity and unity.”
One child remains in hospital after Southport stabbing
16:43
Athena Stavrou
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said one child remained in hospital a week on from the Southport attack and all other patients had been discharged.
Three girls were killed after a knifeman stormed a Taylor Swift dance class last Monday and killed three girls Bebe King, aged six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine.Several other children and three adults were injured and in critical condition.
Police not anti-protest, NPCC chairman says
16:33
Athena Stavrou
Police are not “anti-protest” but are “anti-crime”, National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Gavin Stephens said.
He added: “We are here to protect the public and keep the peace no matter your beliefs. Violent disorder is a serious offence which often comes with a lengthy jail term so be assured we are taking these offences seriously have full support of our criminal justice partners to do this.
“The people involved in this criminality do not represent the views of our communities and it has been heartening to see people coming together to support each other and their local forces.
“This is a challenging time for forces and I want to extend my thanks to the officers and staff who have carried out their roles with dignity, bravery and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and assaults.
“There have been a number of officers injured, some have been hospitalised after putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and I wish them a full recovery.
“Officers do not go to work to be assaulted or attacked and it is completely unacceptable.”
378 arrested so far with more expected to come
16:32
Athena Stavrou
Police have made 378 arrests so far since disorder broke out last week and the total is expected to rise each day, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said as it promised a “united and robust policing response”.
NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens said: “Every community across the country will have been affected in some way by the violent disorder we have seen in this past week.
“I want to reassure the public that a united and robust policing response is in place across the country and we are doing all we can to tackle this disorder and keep you safe.
“All forces have been requested not only to increase the number of specialist resources in their local area, but to contribute to regional reserves, coordinated nationally.
“So far 378 arrests have been made and we expect that total to rise each day as forces continue to identify those involved and continue to apprehend those responsible. Work is going on around the clock to do this and those involved will be brought to justice.
“We have been clear that this is not protest activity or people exercising their democratic right. It is unnecessary violence and we’ve seen important community hubs like a Citizen’s Advice Bureau and a library completely destroyed.”
I’m a Black man with family terrified by riots – Nigel Farage has a lot to answer for
16:25
Femi Oluwole
Does Keir Starmer know what it’s like to see your parents frantic on the family WhatsApp group, warning each other not to go into town because people might beat them to death for being Black? I do.
The UK didn’t suddenly become bigoted last week. These people were simply waiting for an excuse, writes Femi Oluwole.
Full story: Starmer creates ‘standing army’ of specialist police officers as rioters face ‘a reckoning’
16:16
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has ordered a new “standing army” of specialist police officers to be set up to bring an end to the far-right riots which have broken out across the UK in the last week.
The prime minister made the move after chairing an emergency COBR(Cabinet Office Briefing Room) committee this morning with the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, home secretary Yvette Cooper and senior police officers including Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
Ms Cooper pledged that the far right thugs face “a reckoning” with over 400 people arrested after far-right violence swept across the country over the weekend.
‘Goodwill’ of lawyers working extra hours ‘fast running out'
16:04
Athena Stavrou
The necessary support must be put in place to enable the courts to deal with those charged following the violent disorder, said the Law Society president, as he described how the “goodwill” of solicitors being called on to work extra hours is “fast running out”.
Nick Emmerson, Law Society of England and Wales president, said: “It is paramount that justice is done for all those who have been involved in, or are victims of, the riots.
“We commend the UK government for its swift response and want to see that the necessary support and resources are provided for both prosecution and defence lawyers, courts staff and judiciary in dealing with this emergency.
“The criminal justice system has suffered significant neglect over the last decade and has less resilience and flexibility with severe backlogs in the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
“The criminal defence profession is also depleted and over-worked and the goodwill of the solicitors who are being called on to work additional antisocial hours is fast running out.”
Volunteers gather to paint over racist graffiti on Tamworth hotel
15:55
Athena Stavrou
Around 20 volunteers including local councillors helped council staff and contractors to paint over racist graffiti and clear up debris, including broken glass, bricks and paving slabs which had been used as missiles during the attack on Tamworth’s Holiday Inn Express.
Among those who made their way to the hotel to help out was councillor Margaret Clarke, who said those responsible for the damage had exhibited “stone age thinking”.
The 80-year-old, a member of Tamworth Soroptimists: “I have lived in Tamworth for over 50 years and the first thing you do when there’s trouble is you help – that’s the way I look at things.
“Debasing our town is not something that we allow – it’s not Tamworth. Most of them (the rioters) were not Tamworthians and we don’t want our people to be harassed like that again.”
Her colleague Pat Pallett, 77, said of the amount of local people taking part in the clean-up: “That is Tamworth for you. We band together when there’s any trouble. It’s a lovely town to live in and we don’t want this happening again, ever.”
Green MP condemns ‘fascist violence fuelled by racism and Islamophobia'
15:46
Athena Stavrou
A Green MP has labelled violent disorder “fascist violence fuelled by racism and Islamophobia”.
Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry said in a statement: “What we are witnessing on our streets is fascist violence fuelled by racism and Islamophobia. Only by naming it and understanding clearly what it is can we work to defeat it.”
She added: “It is also important to ask what the police and security services have been doing to monitor the far right over the past decade. We have to question if a focus on monitoring Muslim citizens and climate protesters has allowed the far more sinister menace of fascism to foment.
“We need to bring those responsible for instigating the violence to justice, but this won’t be enough to defeat an ideology which uses organised political violence to undermine our society, divide communities and compromise the state and its institutions, including the judiciary and the police.
“The engine that drives fascism is racism, so ministers need to speak up now with one voice to celebrate and defend our Muslim citizens and their place in our diverse society. The Government also needs urgently to create real new investment in supporting community cohesion.”
‘Serious concerns' about safety of solicitors as far-right share list of targets
15:40
Athena Stavrou
The Law Society of England and Wales said it has “serious concerns” about the safety of its members after names and addresses of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies were shared in a list of locations to be targeted by demonstrators.
The organisation’s president, Nick Emmerson, said: “We deplore the violent scenes and rioting that we have witnessed across the past week.
“We have serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of our members following names and addresses of a number of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies being shared on a list of targets for further protest and violence this week.
“I have written to the Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary today asking that the threats against the legal profession are treated with the utmost seriousness.
“A direct assault on our legal profession is a direct assault on our democratic values and we are supporting our members who are being targeted.”
Riot suspects begin to appear in court
15:35
Athena Stavrou
People arrested in connection to the violent far-right riots across the country have begun to appear in court.
The prime minister has vowed that people who took part in the “unforgivable” riots will face swift and harsh judgements as the courts prepare to sit for longer hours.
Amongst those appearing in court today were brothers Adam, 28, and Ellis Wharton, 22, who both pleaded guilty to burgling the Spellow Hub community centre in Liverpool.
Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said Adam was seen outside the Spellow Library on County Road on Sunday, wearing a balaclava and “sweating profusely”.
Australia becomes third country to issue travel warning to UK
15:19
Athena Stavrou
Australia has become the third country to issue a warning to citizens travelling to the UK following days of violent riots.
It advised travellers to “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence” as it urged people to “monitor the media for information and updates”.
It comes after Malaysia alerted citizens living or visiting the UK to “stay away” from protest areas and “remain vigilant”.
The Nigerian Interior Ministry also issued a warning this morning, citing an “increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”.
Police patrols stepped up in Teesside
15:16
Athena Stavrou
Police patrols are being stepped up in Teesside over the coming days amid fears the area could be hit with more violent disorder.
In a statement, Cleveland Police said: “There will be an increased police presence across our towns and communities in the coming days, providing reassurance to residents and speaking to members of the public about their concerns.
“We are aware of information currently in circulation on social media and other platforms about further activity in the area and we’re monitoring the situation closely.
“Cleveland Police’s focus remains firmly on protecting people, protecting communities, and taking robust action against those who are intent on causing violence and fear across Teesside.”
Merseyside leaders committed to ‘peace and safety'
15:16
Athena Stavrou
Political leaders from across Merseyside have said they are committed to restoring “peace and safety” in communities.
In a statement, the leader of Sefton Council Councillor Marion Atkinson, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram and council leaders of Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Wirral and Halton said: “We are profoundly appalled and deeply saddened by the recent acts of serious violence and chaos that have marred our beloved region.
“These actions are not expressions of protest, but deliberate attempts to spread fear and misery within the communities we serve – places where our residents live, work, and learn.
