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Over 400 people have been arrested after far-right violence swept across the country, 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.
Speaking after the meeting, the prime minister said: “We will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them.
“The second is we will ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests, some have appeared in court this morning.
“I have asked for early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved in the process who will feel the full force of the law.”
Addressing the nation on Sunday, Sir Keir told perpetrators they would “regret” engaging in “far-right thuggery” and vowed that those involved in the escalating disorder would “face the full force of the law”.
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Riot suspects begin to appear in court
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”.
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 15:35
Australia becomes third country to issue travel warning to UK
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”.
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 15:19
Police patrols stepped up in Teesside
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.”
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 15:16
Merseyside leaders committed to ‘peace and safety’
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.
“As political leaders, we want to assure each and every one of you that such behaviour will not be tolerated. We are committed to restoring peace and safety in our communities.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to our council staff, police officers, firefighters, NHS staff, community volunteers, faith sectors, and business leaders. Many of you reside in our region, standing by our side as neighbours, and have safeguarded us through these deeply troubling times. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
“Lastly, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our residents who have displayed compassion, courage, and steadfast resilience.
“Please know that we stand with you, and we are here for you, now and always.”
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 15:16
Tamworth MP condemns torching of asylum hotel
The Labour MP for Tamworth, Sarah Edwards, said in a statement issued on her social media accounts that the attack on the town’s Holiday Inn Express had put lives at risk.
Urging local people to help police identify those responsible, Ms Edwards said: “It is not protest. It’s not legitimate. It is crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law.
“It was distressing to see petrol bombs and fireworks being thrown towards police and emergency workers and it was horrifying to see such violence towards the most vulnerable in our society.”
Saying such behaviour would not be tolerated, she added: “Those who are intent on stoking disorder and division are not welcome and do not speak for Britain or for Tamworth.
“It is fortunate that no one inside the hotel was injured, but rest assured those involved in the violence will face the full force of the justice system.”
Racist thugs targeted the hotel housing refugees as they clashed with police and set it alight on Sunday night.
Ms Edwards told the Commons days ago that the people of Tamworth “want their hotel back” as she called for the government to “end the use of the Holiday Inn for asylum purposes”.
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 15:07
Asylum charity forced to close HQ after far-right threats
A charity that helps refugees has been forced to close its headquarters in Liverpool after receiving threats of far-right violence.
The Asylum Link charity, which has helped many vulnerable people who have escaped war and persecution, said they would be closing the building until further notice.
“We are aware of the threats of far-right violence made towards our centre this week,” it wrote on social media. “For this reason we have decided to temporarily close the building and switch to remote working until further notice.
“We will ensure that we can continue to offer support, advice, food and essential resources to those of our clients that need and we hope to re-open the building as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Speaking on the riots seen over the weekend, it said: “The senseless destruction seen over the weekend is exactly that: senseless. Here at Asylum Link, we see every day the incredible contributions made by people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
“We see and know them as people, friends, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters; people that make huge efforts to help others and volunteer in our local community; people with enthusiasm to learn, connect and share.
“Lots of local people see that too, and we’re delighted here at Asylum Link to have such a strong connection with the city we operate in. We’ve been really touched by all the messages of support over the last 24 hours. Together, we will get through this difficult time and we will continue our vital work. In the meantime, take care of each other and your neighbours. Thanks so much everyone”
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 15:04
Rumoured gathering in Huddersfield fails to materialise
A rumoured far-right gathering planned in Huddersfield this afternoon has failed to materialise.
Several businesses closed their doors today out of fear that scenes of violence might materialise and police vans were seen by the train station.
However, the gathering does not appear to have taken place.
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 14:52
Amnesty says government must address ‘root cause of racism that plagues our society’
In response to recent racist attacks and other violent disorder across the UK, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said: “The widespread violence and hate crimes we’ve witnessed over the last few days are utterly unacceptable.
“It’s disgusting to see hotels housing people seeking sanctuary set on fire, mosques and businesses attacked, and people targeted because of the colour of their skin, their faith or their country of origin.
“The racist violence we are now seeing on our streets has been preceded by an intense period of scapegoating refugees and migrants by politicians and others – in dangerous rhetoric and policy. I hope those who spread that rhetoric look on the consequences of their words and learn.
“Events of the last few days have been reported as ‘anti-immigration protests’ or ‘pro-British demonstrations’ and they should not be labelled as such. What we are seeing are clearly violent racist attacks targeting specific communities.”
It added: “Above all, the Government must address the root causes of racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia that plagues our society – and this includes actively calling out and addressing the dangerous rhetoric of politicians and commentators on social media and elsewhere.”
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 14:31
Two men charged in connection with Stoke-on-Trent riots
Two people have been charged in connection with disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, Staffordshire Police have said.
Jarrod Hollinshead, 26, of no fixed address, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words and or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and Lee Bodman, 52, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and breaching a criminal behaviour order.
They will appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on August 22.
Police say their investigation into the disorder is continuing.
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 14:13
Holiday Inn windows smashed with petrol bombs as video shows aftermath of Tamworth riots
This video shows the devastating aftermath of riots in Tamworth.
Footage shows the damage caused to the Holiday Inn Express which was targeted during a day of unrest in the town on Sunday (4 August).
A large group of individuals were seen throwing projectiles, smashing windows, starting fires and targeting police.
Police said windows of the hotel had been smashed with three petrol bombs used to start fires.
Violence has hit towns and cities around the UK since misinformation was used to enflame tensions following the murder of three girls and the attempted murder of seven others in Southport.
Holiday Inn windows smashed with petrol bombs as video shows aftermath of UK riots
This video shows the devastating aftermath of riots in Tamworth. Footage shows the damage caused to the Holiday Inn Express which was targeted during a day of unrest in the town on Sunday (4 August). A large group of individuals were seen throwing projectiles, smashing windows, starting fires and targeting police. Police said windows of the hotel had been smashed with three petrol bombs used to start fires. Violence has hit towns and cities around the UK since misinformation was used to enflame tensions following the murder of three girls and the attempted murder of seven others in Southport.
Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 14:07
