Violent protests taking ‘massive toll’ on police

WorldPolitics
24 Jul 2025 • 12:56 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • UK police forces are under immense pressure from violent protests, with warnings of a potential summer of unrest and concerns about officer welfare.
  • Disturbances in Epping, outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, have cost Essex Police £100,000 and led to eight officers being injured.
  • The Police Federation reports a significant rise in officers taking mental health leave and high resignation rates, attributing this to low morale, declining pay, and stretched resources.
  • The redeployment of 1,500 officers to Scotland for Donald Trump's private visit is further straining police resources across the country.
  • Political figures have commented on the situation, with Angela Rayner warning of more riots and Kemi Badenoch urging vigilance regarding social cohesion.

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