Sir Keir Starmer chaired another emergency Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening as police prepare for more far-right riots.
Sir Keir told reporters inside Downing Street after the meeting that “those involved will feel the full force of the law,” adding: “Nobody, but nobody, should be involved themselves in this disorder.”
A horrifying list of 30 targets - including immigration centres, lawyers’ offices and charities - has been shared by the far-right for potential further unrest on Wednesday.
Some 6,000 specialist police officers are prepared to quell the violence.
In Birmingham, a pub and cars were also damaged after hundreds gathered in the Bordesley Green area following false reports that a far-right mob was planning to march through the area.
More than 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 riots.
Have you been affected by this? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Prime minister speaks after Cobra meeting
- Man in serious condition after suspected hate crime in Belfast
- Man charged for Facebook posts
- Archbishop of Canterbury: 'Rioters defile the flag they wrap themselves in’
- Countries issue safety warnings over travel to UK amid riots
Lord Chancellor claims rioters will face ‘full force of the law'
23:00
Barney Davis
The Lord Chancellor has warned people who “incite mobs” will “feel the full force of the law”, amid concerns over the safety of legal professionals.
It comes as a number of events were planned outside immigration advice centres and solicitors’ offices across the country on Wednesday.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Every day, across the country, solicitors uphold the rule of law.
“Inciting mobs to attack their offices, or threatening them in any way, is unacceptable.
“Those found doing so will face the full force of the law.
“They will join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by police within the last week.”
Politicians defend hundreds turning out in Bolton to ‘defend communities'
22:15
Barney Davis
On Sunday about 300 people joined a counter-protest against far-right activists amid clashes with police.
Shakeel Afsar, who stood as an independent candidate in Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley in last month’s general election, said “reasonable force” may be needed to defend communities.
“We are not the agitators, aggressors or attackers,” he said in a video posted on X. “We will stand there and defend our businesses and our homes. And if attacked, we will use reasonable and necessary force to defend ourselves … It’s about defending the rights of our community and the honour of our people.”
Baber Baz, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Birmingham, who was at the gathering in Bordesley on Monday, said it was largely peaceful after a day of threats of an imminent attack.
“Hour by hour the tension was increasing. We’ve seen what’s happened in other cities. We won’t allow it to happen in Birmingham.
“The EDL messages were out there. If they turn up and become violent, you’re within your rights to defend yourself.”
Stand Up To Racism open letter unites against the right
21:58
Barney Davis
Paloma Faith, Diane Abbott, The Specials and Kate Nash were among a cavalcade of celebrities and politicians to sign the latest Stand Up To Racism open letter against the far-right.
Stand Up To Racism successfully called on its supporters to turn out en masse over the weekend against the far-right thugs, who were outnumbered all over the country.
Their letter says: “Across Europe we see the rise of far right and fascist forces, from Marine Le Pen in France to the AfD in Germany. The far right are a threat to all decent people. The trial of Finsbury Park terrorist Darren Osborne, who murdered Makram Ali, heard that he was radicalised by reading material by Tommy Robinson.
“When Robinson was leader of the English Defence League, it attacked Muslims, trade unions and strikes. All those who oppose this must join in a united mass movement powerful enough to drive back the fascists. The majority of people in Britain abhor Robinson and the far right. We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We can defeat them again. We must Stand Up to Racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must unite and mobilise against the far right and fascism.”
UNITY STATEMENT: we’re uniting and mobilising to launch a campaign against the far right. New statement in @DailyMirror by Stand Up to Racism signed by @Palomafaith, @HackneyAbbott, @biminibabes, @jeremycorbyn, @katenash plus over 100 other politicians, music artists,… pic.twitter.com/GotbkHI6vd
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) August 6, 2024
Man armed with chainsaw chases Muslim couple in Manchester
21:45
Barney Davis
A man chases a Muslim couple out of a petrol station with a portable hedge trimmer.
A white man appears to leave a petrol station before sprinting at them with a chainsaw. They reportedly escaped without physical harm by driving away yesterday.
The couple filmed the attack and shared it online with activists calling on the government to take strict action.
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
FAR-RIGHT THUG CHASING MUSLIM COUPLE WITH A CHAINSAW!
— DOAM (@doamuslims) August 6, 2024
Footage shows a far-right thug chasing a Muslim couple with a chainsaw in #Manchester. #Islamophobia pic.twitter.com/UMMNwRt0FS
Farage clashes with LBC presenter over Southport attacks
21:20
Barney Davis
Nigel Farage had a lively debate with LBC presenter Tom Swarbrick earlier today over the Southport riots.
Accused of jumping to conclusions that the suspect was a migrant, the Reform UK leader said: “They did not tell people before those riots sparked, who he was and where they came from. If they had done that this would have been far less serious,”
Nigel Farage, "We have to address issues like uncontrolled mass immigration, division of our communities"
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) August 6, 2024
Tom Swarbrick, "I don't know what any of that has got to do with Southport"
NF, "I'm looking for a long term solution"
TS, "I don't know what any of that has got to do… pic.twitter.com/9Ml3Me6aEt
Sir Keir bats away Elon Musk’s comments on X
21:01
Barney Davis
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn into comments made by X owner Elon Musk about the ongoing disorder in the UK.
When asked by reporters if he was worried about Mr Musk’s impact on the unrest, or if the man who bought social media platform Twitter had a point with some of his opinions, Sir Keir said: “My focus is on ensuring that our communities are safe. That is my sole focus and I think it’s very important for us all to support the police in what they’re doing.
“I went up to Southport to speak to some of the police who had been the first responders to the terrible attack that happened. They described the scene to me and what they had to deal with when those girls were attacked.
“Those same officers were then attacked on their own streets later the same day – the same officers who had been the first responders.
“Our first duty is to support the police in a difficult exercise that they are engaged in, keeping us safe… the police are doing a difficult job in difficult circumstances and I think that everybody should be giving their full support to ensure that we can make sure that our streets are safe and our communities feel safe and secure.”
‘We will find you and we will arrest you’ Police warn rioters in Birmingham
21:00
Barney Davis
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We are now investigating five separate incidents and have this afternoon (6 August) arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of possession of offensive weapon.
“We’ve launched an investigation into a violent disorder that happened at around 8.30pm on Stoney Lane.
“A man was assaulted and shortly after a pub window was smashed. After speaking to the licencee, the group were apologetic about a small number of the group who caused the damage and we’re told they offered to pay for the repair. We will be making further enquiries to find the suspects.
“Following the assault a man in his 50s was treated for injuries which thankfully are believed not to be serious.
“It’s understood this involved a separate group involved in damaging the window. We are also working hard to find anyone that has been involved in this; and my message to you is that we will find you and we will arrest you.
“We will not tolerate violence of this nature and we understand that a video has been circulating.”
Superintendent Emlyn Richards from Birmingham Police, said: “I appreciate these are incredibly worrying times for communities. This is a time for communities to unite and support each other and we are working together to make sure communities are fully supported and our response is coordinated, proportionate and responsive.
“We are really proud of the strong links we have with communities across Birmingham, and as always, we have officers ready to police and protect the West Midlands.
“My plea to communities is to be extremely mindful of the incredibly harmful spreading of misinformation on social media at the current time, do challenge what you see online, report where appropriate and consider the source of the posts. Always go to trusted sources for your information which includes news outlets and through our social media channels.”
Prime Minister says those taking part in unrest will ‘feel the full force of the law’ after Cobra meeting
20:36
Barney Davis
Sir Keir Starmer said he is expecting “substantive sentencing” for those taking part in the unrest “before the end of this week”.
Speaking to reporters inside Downing Street on Tuesday evening, Sir Keir said: “Those involved will feel the full force of the law… over 400 people now have been arrested, 100 have been charged – some in relation to online activity – and a number of them are already in court.
“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of this week.
“That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week.
“Nobody, but nobody, should be involved themselves in this disorder.”
He said the criminal justice system has shown a “robust and swift response” in the face of ongoing unrest.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s Cobra meeting, Sir Keir said: “Within a week, the criminal justice system really has shown the robust and swift response that is very important to sending a message in circumstances like this.”
Police warn of protests tomorrow in Harrow
20:30
Barney Davis
Superintendent Zubin Writer thanks officers for standing against “hate and division” in Harrow ahead of expected protests tomorrow.He warned on X: “We are aware of plans for disorder tomorrow evening in Harrow.
"Our communities will undoubtedly be concerned having seen the horrendous images from across the country where innocent members of the public and officers have been attacked.
"We want to reassure the residents of Harrow that the police will not tolerate racism or acts of thuggery on our streets.
"Our message to all of those seeking to cause violence and divide our communities is clear - your actions are completely unacceptable and anyone taking part will face the full force of the law.
"Local people can expect to see more officers in the area tomorrow and throughout the evening. They will be responding to any concerns and available to speak to residents who may have questions or need help and advice.”
Police investigate shop attack in Belfast
20:28
Barney Davis
Dozens of kids are seen fleeing a shop in Belfast in a video on social media.
It appears to show some of the young people throwing objects at a local shopkeeper as they run.
Sinn Fein councillor Ciaran Beattie said the man challenged suspected shoplifters before being set upon.
“The attack on a local shopkeeper on the Falls Road tonight was completely unwarranted and disgraceful,” he posted on social media.
“Youths attempted to steal items from the shop and when challenged, workers in the store were subsequently attacked.
“This has been reported to police and they are now investigating.
“If anyone has information on the attack they should bring it to the PSNI.”
Mr Beattie said his party and community activists have spoken with the workers.
“We will continue to have a presence on the ground and keep in touch with the owner,” he added.
An Irish Republican Party spokesman said: “The IRSP in the Lower Falls have engaged with several young individuals involved in a widely circulated online video showing an attack on a business.
“This group has recently been involved in significant anti-community behavior, which will not be tolerated.
“We urge young people not to be drawn into “copycat” attacks or violence they see in the media.”
‘Not in our name’ Home secretary announces ‘unwavering commitment’ to police to put down disorder
20:18
Barney Davis
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told police chiefs they have the Government’s “full support” in putting down any disorder.
She said:“The police have my unwavering commitment to ensure they have everything they need to mobilise a strong frontline response across the country to put a stop to the appalling displays of violence and criminal damage we have seen in some of our towns and cities.
“Criminals should expect to pay the price for violent thuggery and disorder on our streets.
“Keyboard warriors also cannot hide, as criminal organisation and incitement online will be liable for prosecution and strong penalties too.
“My message to communities is to let the police do their jobs and to make clear that we collectively reject this criminality and disorder. Not in our towns, not in our names. The people peddling this violence and hate do not represent Britain”.
Home Secretary tells police chiefs funding will be in place to quell riots
20:15
Barney Davis
The Government will cover overtime pay and any other resources police need to help them respond to potential riots.
Yvette Cooper confirmed in a call with police chiefs that additional costs for overtime and policing the response will be supported through the existing Police Special Grant Scheme, to ensure the frontline is fully resourced across communities this week.
During disorder in 2011, the Home Office ran an adapted version of the Special Grant scheme to ensure police forces could deploy more officers.
Chiefs have made clear that public order reserves will be on standby in strategic locations throughout the week, with thousands of extra officers available for rapid deployment.
More than 378 people have been arrested since last week and around 100 people have already been charged with a criminal offence. An individual has also today been charged for inciting violence online, sending a clear message that online agitators and organisers will also be held accountable.
Teen bangs on glass as he is remanded in custody ahead of riot trial
19:54
Barney Davis
A teenager banged on the dock glass and shouted when he was remanded in custody over claims he “threw missiles” at police and members of the public while wearing a ski mask during disorder in Middlesbrough.
Kaleb Peacock Lightfoot, 19, of Dixon Grove, Middlesbrough, denied a charge of violent disorder.
The court heard he said he attended “what he believed was going to be a peaceful protest”.
Peacock Lightfoot appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court via a video link from South Tyneside Magistrates Court after some of the 28 defendants charged over the Middlesbrough disorder were moved to a second court due to backlogs in dealing with them on Tuesday.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 28.
The defendant became visibly distressed when District Judge Marie Mallon said she would not be granting him bail.
‘We will not tolerate disorder in Birmingham’ Top cop asks people to get information from reliable sources as social media fuels riots
19:45
Barney Davis
Supt Emlyn Richards urges locals to follow updates from police and not act on misinformation following online rumours about protests in Birmingham.
The latest from Supt Emlyn Richards following online rumours about protests in #Birmingham. ⬇️
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) August 6, 2024
If you have any information or videos that can help our investigation upload them to our online portal
here: https://t.co/w9YPToYOMF pic.twitter.com/rqbi0VC69Z
Woman who fell to the ground pushing on fire bin at officers pleads guilty
19:00
Barney Davis
A woman who pushed a burning wheelie bin into a row of police officers has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Teesside Magistrates Court heard Stacy Vint, 34, and a man were seen pushing the bin, the contents of which were on fire, on Linthorpe Road during unrest in Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Prosecutor John Garside said the pair then shoved the bin at a police line before Vint fell over and was arrested.
She initially gave officers a false name, the court heard.
Vint was remanded in custody until her sentencing on August 28.
15-year-old arrested in Belfast over riotious behaviour
18:40
Barney Davis
Paramilitaries are suspected to have been an “element” in the latest disorder in Belfast.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour.
Police came under sustained attack and the victim of a suspected hate crime is in a serious condition in hospital after violence in Belfast on Monday night.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said at one stage petrol was poured over a police Land Rover and set alight.
Police deployed two attenuating energy projectiles (AEPs), with one rioter struck on the hand.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has called for an end to “senseless violence”.
18:30
Barney Davis
Hilary Benn said he is in contact with the region’s First and deputy First Ministers, Justice Minister and the PSNI chief constable.
“The violence which has sowed fear in local communities and damaged businesses is totally unacceptable,” he said.
“The people of Northern Ireland deserve better. Those involved in this violent disorder are damaging the very communities they falsely claim to represent.
“I would like to thank the PSNI for their continuing efforts to keep our communities safe.
“My thoughts are with all those who have suffered, including the businesses that have been attacked, and the member of the public who was the victim of a serious assault during last night’s disorder.
“I urge those involved to stop this senseless violence and intimidation.”
Nigel Farage on ‘how to stop the riots'
18:22
Barney Davis
Nigel Farage distances himself from Tommy Robinson saying he got rid of BNP as an “electoral threat”.
He said: “We need to end mass immigration now to send a message to people that we understand that a 10 million population increase has put massive pressure on people’s lives.”
“Nothing further from the truth” he adds amid accusations he is orchestrating the riots.
He reveals he has upgraded personal security amid threats from the left on government advice.
The Reform UK MP said “masked Muslim yobs” had slashed tyres and intimidated journalists in the Midlands.
Farage called on the Prime Minister to “end his diversity agenda and treat everyone in the UK equally.”
How to stop the riots. pic.twitter.com/WRAIhrgxe3
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 6, 2024
Rotherham suspect riot claims case of mistaken identity as he was in pub with mother instead
18:20
Athena Stavrou
Lee Crisp, 42, was the final defendant to appear before Sheffield Magistrates Court on Tuesday in relation to the Rotherham hotel disorder over the weekend.
Crisp, of Mount Road, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, is accused of actively encouraging others who were throwing missiles at the police and threatening violence towards the officers.
Prosecutors said he was specifically quoted as shouting “looking after the f****** immigrants” at police.
Crisp denied violent disorder and his solicitor, John Evans, said his client was a victim of mistaken identity as he took his elderly mother for a Sunday lunch in the pub next to the hotel.
He was remanded in custody by Deputy District Judge Simon Blakebrough and will appear again at Sheffield Crown Court on August 20.
A 16-year-old boy also appeared before Sheffield Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with violent disorder in connection with the events at the hotel.
No details of the allegation against the teenager were outlined on Tuesday and he was given conditional bail to appear before Sheffield Youth Court on Wednesday.
Big tech platforms ‘playing active role’ in fuelling racist violence
18:00
Athena Stavrou
Amnesty International UK have said big tech problems are playing an “active role in fuelling racist violence”.
Responding to the role of social media platforms amid the ongoing racist and Islamophobic violence in the UK, Pat de Brún, Amnesty Deputy Director at Amnesty Tech, said: “Big Tech platforms are offering the far-right a powerful venue to incite hate and organise.
“The racist violence spilling across the streets follows a period of intense scapegoating of refugees and migrants by politicians and others, through dangerous rhetoric and policies. In this context, social media algorithms have actively amplified and escalated xenophobic discourse.
“These toxic algorithms are deliberately designed to prioritise engagement and act as incendiaries that fuel division, disinformation, and hate.”
What is ‘two-tier policing’? Nigel Farage and Elon Musk’s claims debunked as UK faces more riots
17:40
Athena Stavrou
Keir Starmer has hit back at Nigel Farage after he accused police in the UK of carrying out ‘two-tier policing’ in their response to ongoing far-right riots.
Violent scenes have erupted in the last week following the killings of three young girls in Southport by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. Several others were injured in the attack, with the suspect due to stand trial in January.
Misinformation became rife following the tragic incident, with false reports of Rudakubana’s religion and migration status shared widely on social media. Far-right rioters took to the streets of Southport on the day after the attack, clashing with police and causing severe damage to the town.
Albert Toth reports:
Fourth person convicted after Sunderland riot
17:20
Athena Stavrou
A fourth person has pleaded guilty to violent disorder after rioting in Sunderland, police said.
Bradley Makin appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside and pleaded guilty to violent disorder, as well as possession of cocaine and heroin, a Northumbria Police spokesperson said.
The 21-year-old was remanded in custody until his sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.
HOPE not hate warn of far-right ‘hit list’
17:09
Athena Stavrou
HOPE not hate has responded to a list of locations circulated by the far-right to target tomorrow.
The campaign group said an “anonymous fascist” had shared the “hit list” of targets and called for action “up to and including terrorism”.
The horrifying list includes the addresses of immigration centres, lawyers’ offices and charities.
Joe Mulhall, Director of Research, said: “Understandably, the wide circulation of this list has caused a great deal of distress, unease and fear. Indeed, this list has been compiled precisely to spread these emotions within Muslim and immigrant communities.
“Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict exactly which, if any, of these locations will be targeted by far-right rioters or come under physical attack. Any and all services should be on high alert.”
Met vows to protect London from 'one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade’
17:00
Athena Stavrou
The Metropolitan Police have vowed to protect London from “one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade”, as more protests are due to take place on Wednesday.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade. This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.
“We know about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital tomorrow night. They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.
“The scenes of racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country have been deeply shocking. Members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured.
“We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.
“We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.”
No criminal violence in Sussex so far
16:35
Athena Stavrou
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court, of Sussex Police, confirmed no criminal violence or disorder had taken place in the county, but warned people against taking part in future unrest.
“I have a clear message to those people considering taking part in this disorder – do not do it – because we will make you regret your actions,” he said.
“We will use all the powers available to us to hold you to account for your behaviour.
“We have enhanced resources available. Specialist officers on duty and we have many in number, if there are any instances of disorder we will be responding swiftly.
“There is no place in Sussex for racist criminal violent behaviour on our streets and we’re very clear with that message.”
He added that a number of hate crimes had taken place targeting mosques and the Muslim community which are “wholly unacceptable” and “a thorough investigation is taking place into both those incidents”.
Mapped: Arrests at riots in England and Northern Ireland
16:23
Athena Stavrou
PM to chair second Cobra meeting tonight
16:20
Athena Stavrou
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will chair another emergency Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening on continued action to tackle the violent disorder that has been taking place around the country, the PA news agency understands.
Relevant ministers and police chiefs will attend.
CPS will ‘consider terrorism offences’ in some riot cases
16:19
Athena Stavrou
“We are willing to look at terrorism offences. I’m aware of at least one instance where that is happening,” he said.
“Where you have organised groups planning activity for the purposes of advancing [an] ideology... planning really, really serious disruption then yes, we will consider terrorism offences.”
Women’s country cricket match cancelled over riot fears
16:17
Athena Stavrou
A women’s county cricket match between Essex and Kent has been cancelled tomorrow as fears that further far-right violence could materialise grow.
Essex cricket club said they had had postponed the match “in light of planned protests” ownWednesday following a period of consultation with Essex Police, the ECB and the diverse workforce at Essex Cricket.
:
— Essex Women's Cricket (@EssexWomen) August 6, 2024
In light of planned protests on Wednesday 07 August, the fixture between Essex Women and Kent Women at
The Cloud County Ground has been postponed.
The safety of all spectators, players and staff is paramount to Essex Cricket.
Read more:… pic.twitter.com/mrSzcGsXxB
21-year-old accused of being in car encouraging disorder sobs in dock
16:00
Athena Stavrou
A 21-year-old man sobbed in the dock as he pleaded not guilty to violent disorder in Middlesbrough.
Lennon Chisholm, of Wilshere Road, Middlesbrough, is accused of being in a Renault car that was used to travel around the town to “cause disorder”.
John Garside, prosecuting, said the males in the vehicle were responsible for setting bins on fire and pushing them through police lines.
Teesside Magistrates Court heard Chisholm said he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 27.
His girlfriend called: “I love you” as he was led away from the dock.
Mapped: Outbreaks of violence since Southport stabbings
15:46
Athena Stavrou
Paramilitary groups involved in Belfast riots
15:38
Athena Stavrou
Paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland are believed to have been “an element” in scenes of disorder in Belfast on Monday night following an anti-immigration protest.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said she “has no doubt there is a paramilitary element”, describing scenes on Monday of younger adults appearing to be directed by older people.
Speaking at a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast, Ms Jones said: “We have an open mind as to who is orchestrating and organising this.
“What we saw last night, we feel was different from what we saw on Saturday. On Saturday, we saw mainly older adult people who became involved in disorder.
“Last night it was clear to us that there was a younger element, teenagers mainly, who were involved in the disorder, but that there was an element of organisation and orchestration from what appeared to be older adults present at the scene.
“I have no doubt there is a paramilitary element to this, but I am not in a position to say that this is the main organiser or orchestrator of these events. However, we do keep an open mind to this and this will be part of our investigative strategy.”
Worst far-right violence should be treated as terrorism, former police chief says
15:35
Athena Stavrou
The worst of the far-right violence seen during riots across the country should be treated as terrorism, Britain’s former head of counter-terrorism has warned.
Neil Basu said attempts to set asylum seeker accommodation ablaze in Rotherham was “nothing short of an attempt at a modern-day lynching” as he hit-out at the racially motivated attacks.
The shocking scenes saw an angry far-right mob target the town’s Holiday Inn Express on Saturday, pelting it with rocks and debris while asylum seekers were inside.
Men in balaclavas managed to push their way through a shattered window before attempting to torch the building with some heard chanting: “Get them out.”
The Independent’s Crime Correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
15:19
Athena Stavrou
Far-right rioters have been accused of “defiling” the Union flag by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Most Reverend Justin Welby’s comments were in response to violent protesters seen waving Union Flags in street demonstrations across Britain.
Hundreds of people have been arrested after riots linked to the far right rocked major cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Hull, with violent mobs setting fire to hotels housing refugees and clashing with the police.
Millie Cooke reports:
CPS actively seeking to prosecute online offences
15:09
Athena Stavrou
The Crown Prosecution Service is actively seeking to prosecute people for online offences, according to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Stephen Parkinson told the BBC: “Absolutely we will. And if I can talk about two different types of offence. So there’s some offences which can actually be committed online, for instance, inciting racial hatred. Actually, we authorised a charge today of one such case, subject to the Attorney General’s consent.
“The other way that online activity can be used is for the purposes of incitement and planning. If you’re engaged in that activity, then you can be prosecuted for the substantive offence that you have caused to what you’ve been doing using the internet.”
He added: “Some people are abroad. That doesn’t mean they’re safe. We have liaison prosecutors spread around the globe who’ve got local links with the local judiciary and law enforcement, but also the police are also stationed abroad.”
Man refused bail after riot police ‘feared he was attempting to bite them'
14:47
Athena Stavrou
Liam Grey, 20, was refused bail at Sheffield Magistrates Court after denying violent disorder in relation to the rioting outside the Rotherham hotel.
Grey, of Randerson Drive, Kilnhurst, Mexborough, South Yorkshire, is alleged to have tried to take a riot shield from an officer as he pushed against the police line.
The court heard officers also feared he was attempting to bite them.
Grey was remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on August 20.
Comment | I’m a Black man with family terrified of the riots – Nigel Farage has a lot to answer for
14:15
The UK didn’t suddenly become bigoted last week. These people were simply waiting for an excuse, writes Femi Oluwole.
He asks: “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.
“I woke up this morning, fists clenched, looking around my room, after having a nightmare that I was about to be pulled out of my car like the man in Hull. I don’t think Starmer understands the stakes here.“
Far-right advertise vulnerable elderly person’s address as meeting place
14:10
Athena Stavrou
Nottinghamshire Police have urged anyone planning to attend a far-right gathering in West Bridgford tomorrow not to after an address posted publicly was revealed to belong to an elderly person.
An address for East Midlands Immigration Services has been shared on social media as a potential location for a protest on Wednesday evening, but it has “no links to the business”, Nottinghamshire Police said.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the force said: “We are aware of a potential protest being organised in Nottingham on Wednesday evening.
“The location has no links to the business advertised on the internet. Officers have visited the address and it is home to an elderly person with vulnerabilities.
“It has no links whatsoever to any immigration business.
“We would strongly advise that those wishing to attend any protest in this location refrain from doing so as this is an elderly person’s home address. Thank you.”
Mental health charity warns of consequences of racist and anti-immigration rhetoric
14:02
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:
A mental health charity has warned of the “real consequences” of racist and anti-immigration rhetoric as it condemns this week’s far-right violence in the UK.
Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health said: “Racist and anti-immigration rhetoric has real consequences. Public discourses that dehumanise people who are seeking asylum in the UK or who come from minoritised backgrounds have contributed to racist violence historically.
“It’s our duty today to address this. We call on politicians, the media and others in public office to take the lead in countering racist and Islamophobic narratives.
“Being and feeling safe is a fundamental foundation for good mental health. It’s vital that people are protected from this violence and that we learn as a society about what has caused it.”
‘Profoundly disturbing’ riots causing ‘fear, trauma and anxiety’ in NHS workforce
13:58
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:
The NHS Race & Health Observatory has strongly condemned the racist riots continuing across England and Northern Ireland as it highlighted the traumatic effect of them on the NHS’ diverse workforce.
“This is a sobering reminder of the racism, Islamophobia and hatred that exists in our society today, and which plays out in the everyday lives of many people of colour,” it said.
“This prejudice is profoundly disturbing and is causing real fear, trauma and anxiety in our communities and amongst our diverse workforce. And of course, our NHS would not be able to function without the talented people from across the globe that make up our healthcare system.”
The charity added that there must be an active zero-tolerance policy in place for dealing with racism, violence, and intimidation, with this policy made visible to patients too.
“Racism within society must be viewed as absolutely intolerable, it has devastating impacts upon lives and livelihoods and needs to be tackled head-on,” it added. “Britain will not be a successful, multicultural and forward-thinking country until it has equity at its core, we remain committed to the promise of that ideal.”
Human rights lawyer receives death threats
13:46
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Social Affairs Correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:
Qays Sediqi, a human rights lawyer based in London, recalled how he received a menacing phone call at around 5pm on Monday where the caller threatened to kill him.
He told The Independent: “I’ve received death threats for my work supporting asylum seekers before but this time feels completely different. I had death threats when I was working on the Rwanda proceedings but now it feels personal, especially with everything else that is going on in the country.
“The call itself was very brief. He just said I’m what’s wrong with this country and that they’re coming to get me. ‘We will kill you son’, that’s what he said. Then they just hung up. I was still processing what was happening and then the next thing they hung up.
“I’ve decided not to go into the office at all this week for my safety. I work with my brother and we’re not going in. I reported the incident to the police but I’m not hopeful they can do anything. I’ve reported death threats before and nothing’s come of it.
“Most of our clients are vulnerable asylum seekers and it’s much better to be able to meet and speak to them in person in the office, but will have to try and make it work remotely this week.”
I was at the Rotherham riots – this is what the far-right had to say for themselves
13:31
Athena Stavrou
What comes to mind when you think of a hero? Someone noble? Courageous? Someone willing to put themselves at risk to defend and protect others? Someone with a moral compass who won’t just accept injustice?
Well, if you’d been at yesterday’s riot in Rotherham you’d have been spoilt for choice, Katie Edwards writes.
You might have got the wrong end of the stick from seeing the footage of the trouble and thought you were watching mob violence – a bunch of vigilante vandals intimidating and terrorising a minority group, as well as the broader community – but, according to the people I spoke to yesterday, you’d be wrong.
Read the full story here:
Opinion | ‘Stop the boats’: How the language of division fuelled the race riots
13:17
Athena Stavrou
We are in this position after hearing mainstream politicians brand asylum-seekers as an ‘invasion’, says Sean O’Grady, suggesting that a ‘hurricane’ of migration was about to hit Britain; that the police were guilty of ‘double standards’ and ‘two-tier policing’.
No wonder we now have chaos on our streets, he argues.
“Many attending the so-called “protests” regarded the police as their enemies. They goaded them, threw rocks and anything else that came to hand; they almost lynched an officer pushed off his motorbike, burned vehicles and destroyed a neighbourhood police office in Sunderland. I’m not sure they would have minded much if any police personnel died in the arson attack.”
Builder first to be convicted following Rotherham riot
13:01
Athena Stavrou
Self-employed builder Joshua Simpson has become the first person to be convicted following the rioting in Rotherham after he admitted assaulting a police officer.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how Simpson, 25, was abusive to police before he kicked a riot shield, forcing it back on to an officer’s leg.
A deputy district judge was told the incident happened as those
