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Thursday briefing: What we’ve learned about the UK riots
August 22, 2024
August 7, 2024
Police are braced for more than 100 protests across the country tonight as far-right groups target immigration services, The Independent understands.
Officers are also expecting more than 30 counter protests, as 6,000 riot officers prepare for another evening of potential unrest.
A list of as many as 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities and immigration services is believed to have been widely circulated on social media over recent days, identifying their addresses as targets for far-right demonstrations on Wednesday – alongside flame emojis and calls to “mask up”.
It comes as Derek Drummond, 58, of Pool Street, Southport, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to three years in prison after he admitted violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker in Southport on July 30.
He is the first person to receive a substantial prison sentence for taking part in the violence that has rocked parts of the UK over the past week.
Earlier in the week, Sir Keir announced a “standing army” of 6,000 specialist police officers to quell the ongoing violence after eight days of unrest across England and in Northern Ireland– and amid fears of more on Wednesday.
Another 20 people were charged overnight, the Crown Prosecution Service said, bringing the total to more than 140, as police chiefs continued to warn rioters they could “expect a knock at the door”.
Sir Keir Starmer said justice is being served with some rioters already behind bars as the prime minister sent a warning to those causing “violent disorder” on streets across the UK.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister’s message to anybody causing violent disorder on our streets is clear – you will feel the full force of the law – and today, we are already seeing justice being served.
“Within a matter of days, some of the criminals involved in these riots have been put behind bars.
“This is just the start, with over 400 arrests, 120 charged and more people being hauled in front of the courts every day, our criminal justice system is showing violent thuggery has no place on our streets.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired a second Cobra meeting in two days on Tuesday as the country prepared for further violence. (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)
Officers across the country have been given enhanced powers as they brace for potential far-right gatherings tonight.
Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014 gives police officers the power to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour to leave or to people who they believe are planning to do so.
It also allows them to order anyone to remove a face covering, seize items and arrest anyone who returns to an area they were told to leave. Anybody committing an offence who refuses this order can be arrested and fined up to £2,500 and/or receive a three-month prison sentence.
In Bristol, where a large gathering is expected, Section 34 is in place across the city centre and a large part of east Bristol, covering Easton, Redfield and Temple Meads too.
Merseyside Police have the order in place in south Liverpool until 7pm tomorrow, while Durham Constabulary said officers issued dispersal orders to 37 people, aged between 13 and 38, who arrived in Durham city centre last night.
Police also issued a dispersal order for part of Lincoln and it has been introduced by Cumbria Constabulary amid reports of potential planned disorder.
