Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets of Britain on Wednesday in defiance of far-right violence that has swept the country over the last week.
Up to 25,000 protesters, some chanting “hate not welcome” and “refugees welcome here”, gathered in towns and cities like Walthamstow, Finchley, Birmingham, Newcastle and Blackpool as nearly 100 far-right rallies failed to materialise.
Police were braced for 100 far-right protests across the country threatening to target immigration services, with officers expecting around 30 counter-demonstrations,The Independent understands.
The details of 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities and immigration services were circulated in a list shared on social media alongside instructions to “rise up” and “mask up” over recent days.
It identified the organisations’ addresses as targets for the anticipated far-right demonstrations alongside flame emojis, images show.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson warned the publication of immigration law firms as potential targets for disorder could be considered a terrorism offence.
Have you been affected by this? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Anti-racist protesters gather to counter planned far-right riots
- Far-right no-show in London as counter-protests continue
- Far-right rioter arrested after chants of ‘EDL’ heard
- Police investigate racially motivated hate crimes in Belfast on Tuesday
- Inquests to begin into deaths of three girls stabbed to death in Southport
Three arrested in Newcastle and Sunderland
23:56
Alexander Butler
Three people have been arrested following planned protests in Newcastle and Sunderland.
Northumbria Police said the evening had “largely passed without incident” as they thanked people for their support.
The arrests made were in connection with public order offences and being drunk and disorderly, the force said on social media.
Fifteen arrested across London
23:41
Alexander Butler
Fifteen people were arrested across London as thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against a wave of far-right violence sweeping the UK.
Ten in Croydon:
- 1 x assault on an emergency worker
- 4 x breaching a Section 35 dispersal order
- 1 x going equipped for arson
- 4 x violent disorder
Four in Waltham Forest:
- 2 x offensive weapon (a lock knife and a golf club)
- 1 x drunk and disorderly
- 1 x obstructing a Section 60 search
One in Hounslow:
- 1 x possession of an offensive weapon
Watch: Aerial footage shows huge scale of London anti-racism protests
23:40
Alexander Butler
Man arrested in Essex
23:33
Alexander Butler
Police in Essex have arrested one man on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after planned disorder on Wednesday evening.
No public order offences were reported in Chelmsford or Southend, Essex Police said. A group gathered in Hamlet Court Road in Southend shortly after 7pm, but officers found no offences being committed and no threat or harm being posed.
People left the area shortly after 9.15pm with no arrests directly linked to the planned protests being made.
Police said one man was arrested in the area shortly after 5.15pm on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after he was searched by officers.
Watch: Gambian man says ‘I feel loved again’ after anti-racism protesters take to Bristol streets
23:30
Alexander Butler
Watch: Liverpool anti-racism protesters defend asylum charity from far-right threat
23:20
Alexander Butler
Pictured: Aerial views of Walthamstow anti-racist demonstration
23:12
Alexander Butler
‘Hate not welcome’: Thousands of anti-racism protesters take to streets in show of defiance against far right
23:05
Alexander Butler
COMMENT| Is this the end to the ‘bromance’ between Rishi Sunak and Elon Musk?
23:00
Salma Ouaguira
If fawning over the Twitter/X and Tesla CEO was intended to secure some sort of rehabilitation for Sunak, post-ejection from No 10, it’s backfired now, writes Chris Blackhurst:
Up to 50 gathered in Croydon to ‘fuel disorder’, Met says
22:37
Alexander Butler
The Metropolitan Police said about 50 people gathered in North End Road, Croydon, south London, and had “made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder”.
The force said those present in Croydon had dragged and thrown objects down the road, and thrown bottles at officers - with eight people being arrested for “assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences”.
A police statement said: “This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure anti-social behaviour.”
Watch: Aerial footage shows huge scale of London anti-racism protests
22:32
Alexander Butler
Police forces issue CCTV appeals to identify disorder suspects
22:20
Salma Ouaguira
Police forces across the country have begun issuing CCTV appeals to identify people in connection with the widespread disorder over the past week.
Images of 14 people were released by detectives investigating disorder in Merseyside, 21 were issued by South Yorkshire Police in connection with violent disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, and Humberside Police released 16 images following unrest in Hull.
Merseyside Police issued their photos after incidents which followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport last week.
Violence broke out in Southport on Tuesday night and then in Liverpool city centre and Walton on Saturday.
Officers were injured and damage was caused to police vehicles and buildings, including a library which was set on fire.
Detective Superintendent Paul Speight said: “It is vital that these people make themselves known as soon as possible, as we think they can assist our ongoing investigations.
“We are still working our way through information, images and footage as it comes in, and we’ll continue to take action to arrest, charge and put before the courts anyone identified.”
Anti-racism protesters quash far-right rally plans
22:19
Alexander Butler
Thousands of peaceful anti-racism demonstrations appeared to quash fears of further violent disorder on Wednesday night despite the threat of more than 100 planned protests.
Counter demonstrators in towns and cities across the country such as Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Walthamstow and Sheffield gathered with placards reading “Stamp out Islamophobia” and “No to Racism”.
Despite the majority of forces facing very little trouble, the Metropolitan Police said about 50 people gathered in North End Road, Croydon, south London, and had “made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder”.
The force said those present in Croydon had dragged and thrown objects down the road, and thrown bottles at officers - with eight people being arrested for “assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences”.
Anti-fascist demonstrators in Liverpool dispersed
22:00
Salma Ouaguira
Many of the anti-fascist demonstrators on Overbury Street in Liverpool had dispersed by 9.30pm, an hour and a half after the far-right protest was reported to be taking place.
Police vans continued to block the road to traffic and a small group remained outside the Asylum Link centre.
Labour MP declares ‘we are the many, they are the few’
21:51
Salma Ouaguira
Clive Lewis has said the far-right rioters are “the many” and the anti-racists protesters are “the few”.
MP for Norwich South said the counter-protesters in his constituency were “peaceful” and condemned the anti-immigration rioters for their actions over the weekend.
Mr Clive told Sky News: “There was a fantastic atmosphere. There were everyday people of Norwich coming and standing together because like millions of people in this country who have been appalled by what materialised on their television screens and social media.
“The racist and fascist thugs that have been rampaging across this country are a minority.”
He added: “From what we saw in towns and cities across the country, we are the many and they are the few. They were outnumbered.”
Police start dispersing anti-racist protestors in Northampton
21:38
Salma Ouaguira
Police in Northampton are asking counter-protesters to leave after planned anti-immigration protests in the town failed to materialise.
Northants Police said on social media: “One hour since planned protest was due to start and there has been no disorder tonight.
“Police are now asking the crowd of counter-protesters to disperse peacefully for the evening.
“Kettering Road still partially closed for now.”
Watch Live: Aerial view of Manchester as protests sweep across the UK
21:35
Salma Ouaguira
Far-righters chanting ‘Rule Britannia’ clash with anti-racist protesters
21:29
Salma Ouaguira
Both groups in Aldershot have remained peaceful but chants took place on either side of the road.
Demonstrators outside Aldershot Enterprise Centre waved Palestinian flags and chanted “refugees are welcome here”.
On the other side, groups waved England flags and sang “Rule Britannia”.
Eight people arrested after disruption in Croydon
21:28
Salma Ouaguira
Eight people have been arrested following disorder in Croydon this evening.
The Metropolitan Police said the disruption is “not linked to protest” and that it appears to be “pure anti-social behaviour”.
Police arrested eight people on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences.
More arrests will follow, the force said.
Pictured: Protesters march against racism in East London
21:25
Salma Ouaguira
Dozens of people cause violent disruption in Croydon
21:22
Salma Ouaguira
Bottles have been thrown at police and objects dragged down the road after around 50 people gathered in Croydon, police said.
The Metropolitan Police said the disruption is “not linked to protest” and that it appears to be “pure anti-social behaviour”.
In a post on social media, the force said: “Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon.
“They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder.
“They’ve dragged and thrown objects down the road, and thrown bottles at officers.
“This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure anti-social behaviour. Officers are moving in numbers to make arrests.”
Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon. They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 7, 2024
They've dragged & thrown objects down the road & thrown bottles at officers. This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure… pic.twitter.com/vgmOvtTDTh
Tensions rise in Blackpool after ‘EDL’ arrest
21:14
Salma Ouaguira
Police force a man to the ground and arrest him in Blackpool. Crowd reacts badly. Big and growing police presence. All feels nervy. pic.twitter.com/M5g6oPB7dI
— Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) August 7, 2024
Brighton anti-fascist protesters chant ‘whose streets? Our streets!'
21:08
Salma Ouaguira
Counter protesters came apart from the crowd to walk up towards Brighton train station and appeared to chant at a small group of people “whose streets? Our streets!”
Shops such as a kebab shop and noodle bar were boarded up along the road where protests were expected to take place.
Police appeared to escort a few men towards the train station as counter protesters followed them chanting.
Pictured: Police on horses patrol as anti-racism counter protesters gather in Preston
21:07
Salma Ouaguira
Home secretary thanks police officers deployed to tackle far-right riots
21:05
Salma Ouaguira
Thank you to all the police officers working tonight to protect & support local communities.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) August 7, 2024
Watch: Huge anti-racism protest held in Walthamstow as thousands chant ‘We fight back’
21:00
Salma Ouaguira
Police arrest three people in Northampton
20:56
Salma Ouaguira
Northants Police have arrested three people in Northampton for public order offences.
It comes after around 150 anti-fascist counter-protesters gathered ahead of a planned far-right riot.
Protest Update
— Northants Police (@NorthantsPolice) August 7, 2024
Police have arrested three people for public order offences, they are currently in custody. No members of the public or police officers injured #Northampton
Over 500 anti-fascist demonstrators gather in Sheffield
20:52
Salma Ouaguira
Around 500 anti-fascist demonstrators have gathered on Glossop Road in Sheffield but there was no sign of any anti-immigration agitators.
Scores of police were in the area in baseball caps and overalls, with their riot helmets hanging from their belts.
A number of police vans were parked in surrounding streets, close to Sheffield University’s student union.
A succession of speakers addressed the crowd using a loud hailer as those gathered chanted “whose streets? our streets!” and “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.
Glossop Road remained open and many passing cars beeped their horns in support, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Man arrested for failing to remove face covering in Middlesborough
20:50
Salma Ouaguira
A man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a Section 60AA order after refusing to remove his face covering, police said.
Cleveland Police introduced the special power following disorder in Hartlepool and Middlesborough over the past week.
The man was challenged by officers on Park Lane in Middlesborough this evening and asked to remove a face covering.
When he refused to do so, he was arrested.
A section 60AA order gives police the power to remove any item from a person that they reasonably believe is being used to conceal their identity.
During a search, police also recovered drugs and an offensive weapon, the force said.
Pictured: Anti-fascist protesters march in west England
20:45
Salma Ouaguira
Far-right rioter arrested after chants of ‘EDL’ heard
20:37
Salma Ouaguira
A man has been arrested near to the site of a planned protest in Blackpool.
A crowd of passers-by jeered as the man was pinned to the ground and put in a police van.
One arrest here in Blackpool where a small number of people have gathered. We’ve heard chants of “EDL” and some antagonism of police. pic.twitter.com/w0llAckvcE
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) August 7, 2024
Far-right no-show in London as counter-protests continue
20:34
Salma Ouaguira
It was unclear as to whether any protesters were going to show up in Walthamstow.
Thousands of counter-protesters have taken over the street outside the immigration centre, the area earmarked for the protest.
A police presence was maintained in the area.
Humberside Police urge public for information on Hull weekend disorder
20:32
Salma Ouaguira
Can you help officers identify a number of people in connection with the disorder that took place in Hull on Saturday 3 August?
— Humberside Police (@Humberbeat) August 7, 2024
See latest CCTV imagery released here: https://t.co/uhDOnsXrc6 pic.twitter.com/Ezuzv0CBFx
Watch live:Aerial view of London as further far-right riots expected
20:28
Salma Ouaguira
Anti-fascist group in Middlesbrough as far-right riots expected near migration centre
20:25
Salma Ouaguira
A small group of people, including some anti-fascist demonstrators, have gathered at the site of an expected protest near an immigration centre in Middlesbrough, but no protesters had assembled 10 minutes after the planned start time.
In the residential streets nearby security guards and dozens of residents stood outside a mosque while other people appeared to be on guard on Parliament Road, which saw significant damage, including a burnt-out car, during Sunday’s riot.
Police vans could be seen patrolling the town centre.
Birmingham counter-protesters hold ‘Oppose Tommy Robinson’ banners
20:20
Salma Ouaguira
Hundreds of counter-protesters have assembled directly outside an immigration advice centre in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, holding banners reading “Oppose Tommy Robinson”, “Bigots out of Brum” and “Stamp out Islamophobia”.
As a nearby clocktower sounded the hour at 8pm, there was no sign of any far-right protest.
The entrance to the advice centre in a three-storey building and several other local businesses, including restaurants and shops, had been boarded up before the rumoured protest.
Wlathamstow MP says hundreds of police ready for far-righters
20:16
Salma Ouaguira
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy has said there is a “three-figure” police presence in the London borough.
Walthamstow Central bus station has also been closed since 6pm, Ms Creasy added.
It comes as police prepare for more than 100 planned protests across the country tonight.
Counter protesters march in Brighton to ‘No to Racism’ chants
20:13
Salma Ouaguira
Hundreds of people have gathered in central Brighton with loud drums and music playing, and signs proclaiming “No to Racism” and “Education is key misinformation kills”.
Police vans lined the side streets but officers were seen standing in the crowd peacefully surrounded by protesters.
Anti-racist protesters clash with far-right in Aldershot
20:08
Salma Ouaguira
Police officers have rushed in to separate opposing groups in Aldershot after tempers flared.
Protesters holding “Stand Up To Racism” placards had been chanting “refugees are welcome here”.
A group across the road had been chanting back “stop the boats”.
Some of them walked towards the Stand Up To Racism group, stopping traffic, and angry shouting occurred.
Dozens of police officers then rushed onto the road to stop groups from getting too close to each other.
One young man, among those who moved towards the Stand Up To Racism group, was seen being spoken to by two officers.
Stans Up To Racism spots only three far right groups in London
20:02
Salma Ouaguira
The three far right mugs who have turned up in Finchley arguing what to do next while 2000 antifascists are opposing them #StandUptoRacism pic.twitter.com/GZ1p2KIai4
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) August 7, 2024
Protesters holding ‘Stand Up To Racism’ gather in Brentford
19:59
Salma Ouaguira
Dozens of protesters holding “Stand Up To Racism” posters have gathered outside Aldershot Enterprise Centre in Brentford.
They chanted and held banners reading “Refugees welcome. Stop the far right”.
A few of them wore face masks. Several police officers stood close by.
A smaller group, some masked, congregated outside Yeomans Nissan Aldershot, opposite the road.
Some of them shouted back angrily at the Stand Up To Racism group.
Anti-racist protesters gather outside asylum centre in Liverpool
19:52
Salma Ouaguira
Outside the Asylum Link centre on Overbury Street in Liverpool, supporters of anti-racism charities filled the road following reports a protest was due to be held outside.
A police van blocked off the road as hundreds turned out to protect the building, which had boards over the windows.
Placards were held by members of the crowd including ones which read “Nans Against Nazis”, “Merseyside Pensioners Fight Back” and “When the poor blame the poor only the rich win”.
Signs placed on the fence around the building said “Love not hate” and “One human family”.
Some members of the crowd had their faces covered.
A police helicopter circled ahead and officers patrolled the streets.
Two men arrested on suspicion of stirring up religious hatred
19:39
Salma Ouaguira
Cumbria Police arrested two men on suspicion of public order offences – including using threatening words or behaviour intended to stir up religious hatred – relating to online activity.
A 41-year-old man from Carlisle was arrested over the alleged posting online of content encouraging violence against police officers and promoting public disorder, and a 40-year-old man from Carlisle was arrested in connection with the alleged posting of hate-related content online.
Both men are in police custody and Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick said: “Where there is evidence of people inciting hatred or promoting violence on our streets, our officers will not hesitate to take action.
“We will continue to prioritise the safety of the public and anyone involved in criminality can expect to be dealt with robustly.”
Pictured: Anti-racist protesters gather to counter planned far-right riots
19:37
Salma Ouaguira
The women involved in far-right riots across UK as social media awash with hate speech
19:32
Salma Ouaguira
While footage shows men have dominated the far-right riots that have erupted across England and Northern Ireland, women also featured in the unrest.
More than 400 people have been arrested since the violence began – with 100 already charged and suspects now going through the courts.
Rioters have attacked mosques, ambushed riot police, set fire to a hotel housing migrants and torched a public library and Citizens Advice Bureau building. There have been multiple incidents of ethnic minorities being attacked on the streets.
One expert in gender and radicalisation told The Independent social media has led to women sometimes having a more visible role in far-right movements.
Our women’s correspondent Maya Oppenheim writes:
1,300 officers on standby in London
19:27
Alexander Butler
About 1,300 more public order officers are being deployed across London ahead of possible disorder tonight, the Met Police says.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine says that “mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers” have also been made available.
“We will be using retrospective facial recognition to help officers identify those behind criminal disorder. This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks,” he said
Police confirm 35 people arrested over weekend violent disorder
19:24
Salma Ouaguira
Humberside Police said 35 people had now been arrested over disorder in the force area on Saturday and Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin pledged they would take action against everyone involved.
“We have now arrested 35 people in connection with this criminality; some of whom have already appeared before the courts facing charges,” he said. “There has been a lot of misinformation circulating online today about further protest activity across the force area and I urge people to please be mindful about information you see and choose to share online.
“Please consult trusted sources of information, such as ourselves, the local authority and the fire service if you see information that concerns you. We have specially-trained intelligence teams scanning continuously to verify information and should we confirm accuracy, we will make direct contact with those likely to be affected.
“Like the majority across the country, I am disgusted and disappointed at the racial hatred seen last weekend. I know some are angry and may feel the need to protest against the violence we saw. However, I now call for calm to be restored and normality to resume whilst my officers continue to work bravely in very challenging circumstances to keep our streets safe and bring those responsible to justice.
“Our investigation teams are working tirelessly at looking into all criminal activity, whether committed in person or incited online. Our work to review the CCTV and video footage obtained continues in order to identify the remaining individuals involved.
“This momentum will not stop, we will not relent and we are prepared to keep going until every person is in custody.”
Anti-racist group gather in Walthamstow
19:18
Alexander Butler
Hundreds of anti-racist demonstrators have gathered in Walthamstow, London, ahead of a rumoured far-right protest on Wednesday evening.
Groups were heard chanting “whose streets? our streets!” and “free Palestine”. Nearby, one person wearing a skull balaclava has been stopped and is being searched by police.
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy has said there was a “three-figure” police presence in the London borough. Its bus station has been closed since 6pm.
Teenager latest to be charged with disorder in Merseyside
18:55
Barney Davis
A 17-year-old-boy from Walton has become the 16th person to be charged over disorder in Southport and Liverpool, Merseyside Police said.
The teenager, who cannot be named, has been charged with violent disorder and burglary in the city centre on Saturday.
He has been remanded and will appear at Merseyside Youth Court on Thursday morning.
Pubgoers and Muslim activists embrace in Accrington
18:45
Barney Davis
Activists out defending the streets of Accrington from far-right riots handed out kisses, hugs and handshakes with the locals.
In a heartwarming video posted by Taj Ali, the Tribune co-editor called for unity ahead of planned demonstrations all over the country.
Pubgoers embrace Muslims defending their community in Accrington. This is the way forward. Unity. The racist thugs are in the minority. pic.twitter.com/uzg9XcOOIV
— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) August 7, 2024
Teenager caught on CCTV celebrating after throwing bricks at police
18:40
Barney Davis
A teenager who was caught on CCTV after throwing bricks at police officers has been convicted.
Cole Stewart threw multiple objects at officers who had been deployed to violent disorder in Darlington on Monday evening (August 5).
The 18-year-old was arrested at the scene and appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today (August 7) where he pleaded guilty to the offence.
Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Cole Stewart attended the area on Monday night with the sole intention of causing serious harm to our community and their property.
“He engaged in vile and destructive behaviour and attacked the police officers who were deployed to protect members of the public.
“As we have previously said, we will not tolerate criminality and violent disorder in our communities.
“I reiterate to anybody who commits these types of acts, we will tirelessly look for you and deal with you robustly. This will always be Durham Constabulary’s approach when dealing with incidents such as this.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we will strive for justice on behalf of our communities - they do not deserve to be intimidated by this behaviour.”
Carer in middle of 12-hour shift has car torched by thugs during Middlesbrough riot
18:29
Barney Davis
A carer working a 12-hour shift looking after the elderly was devastated to find out his car had been torched by thugs during riots in Middlesbrough.
Brendan Nwabichie was in the middle of his shift when criminals deliberately set fire to his vehicle during rioting in the town on Sunday (4 August).
Mr Nwabichie told BBC News today (7 August) that the incident has left him fearful for the future.
Mr Nwabichie said: “When I came back home, I just saw the remnants of it. I could not recognise it.
“I went to the bathroom and cried because I know how long it took me to save the money to buy it.
“It makes me question what am I even doing here?”
Labour’s Anas Sarwar urges parties to ‘speak with one voice'
18:15
Salma Ouaguira
Scotland is speaking with one voice - the actions of a mindless minority of far right thugs won’t define our country.
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) August 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/0IjHuQgAon
Breaking: King Charles asks for daily updates on far-right riots
18:14
Salma Ouaguira
The King has asked the government to provide daily updates on the planned far-right protests, Sky News reports.
The monarch said he is privately following the issues the unrest has generated in local communities.
Rioter cries in court as he admits attack on Black man in Manchester
18:10
Salma Ouaguira
A rioter who attacked a Black man during far-right disorder in Manchester cried in court as he admitted carrying out the attack..
Liam Ryan, 28, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, wept as he entered a guilty plea following disturbances in Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre on Saturday.
Prosecutors at Manchester Magistrates’ Court said Ryan had played an “active role” in the Piccadilly Gardens disorder and could be seen “aiming a punch towards the male involved”.
He was remanded into custody and is expected to be sentenced next week.
Our race correspondent Nadine White has the full story:
Irish police to ‘fully co-operate’ with UK riot probes
18:06
Salma Ouaguira