Plymouth is set to become the latest UK city to join a spate of recent protest action - as two demonstrations begin this evening. Three people have already been arrested in the city centre as the protests got under way at around 5.30pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrests were for anti-social behaviour. The arrests are not in connection with the demonstrations. Elsewhere around the country, other protests in Southport, Sunderland, Leeds, Manchester, Blackpool, and Stoke-on-Trent have all similarly dissolved into violent disorder.
And now, Plymouth is gearing up for similar action tonight - with police set to increase their presence in the city centre, and assuring members of the public they are "fully prepared to respond to incidents of disorder". Plymouth is the latest city to be added to a list of "stop the boats" protests, organised by the likes of former EDL leader, Tommy Robinson - who is currently on holiday with his children at a luxurious five-star hotel in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, despite being wanted on a court warrant. READ NEXT: This protest is expected to take place at 7pm at what Mr Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley Lennon - has called the "Guild Hall".
And it has been met by a counter-demonstration from anti-fascist group, Stand Up To Racism, which is scheduled for 6pm at the Guildhall Square. The group posted that "individuals from the racist EDL and international fascist groups have called a rally at 7pm at Plymouth Guildhall to spread hatred and lies, targeting minorities and intimidating people of our city. We will demonstrate in opposition to stand for peace with social justice.
Stand up to racism. For unity not division. Nazis off our street.
" Meanwhile, anti-fascists activists from Cornwall have put out a rallying cry and and are also heading to Plymouth for a counter-protest. Read more about that here . Plymouth City Council leader, Tudor Evans, has said he was disappointed at the news that organisers like former EDL leader Tommy Robinson has now put Plymouth on his list of places for a "stop the boats" protest.
Alluding to how the city had admirably come together in recent years when faces with its own tragedy and heartbreak, Mr Evans said: "Over the past few years, Plymouth has had its fair share of tragedy and throughout it all, we have shown that we stick together. When the chips are down we rally together, we do not turn against each other. "I am therefore disappointed that there is a demonstration scheduled to happen in Plymouth tomorrow.
Whilst we are working with the police to ensure that the event is peaceful, let me be clear, with the continued disinformation being shared on social media, with the clear intent to whip-up hate and increase tensions in local communities, false and damaging information is spreading quickly. “We will continue to monitor the situation. However, anyone seeking to come to Plymouth to kick start any criminal, violent or antisocial behaviour is not welcome.
"I would ask that everyone stays at home and not add any fuel to the fire, jumping on a band wagon being peddled by right-wing racists elsewhere in the country. Everyone living, working and visiting Plymouth has the right to feel and be safe. We must not let those who seek to divide us win.
" Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Constable, Glen Mayhew, said: "As a result of the information we have received, we will be increasing our presence in the city centre. I have a dedicated team planning the policing for this, and other events as they occur during the week. "We are fully prepared to respond to incidents of disorder, and we have the resources in place to deal with these incidents to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the local community.
" Bus routes through the city centre are being adjusted to account for the planned action, while the Central Library on Armada Way will close two hours earlier - at 4pm, rather than 6pm - and the Theatre Royal has cancelled tonight's performance of The Devil Wears Prada. We will bring you live updates as we get them below. Want to get in touch? Email news@plymouthherald.
co.uk. Around 100 Stand Up To Racism demonstrators have already gathered in Guildhall Square, ahead of the first planned protest action of this evening in Plymouth.
Councillor Sally Haydon, cabinet member for community safety, has issued a last minute appeal. She said: “To reiterate what Cllr Evans said very clearly last night – if you are thinking of coming to Plymouth to cause trouble or criminal activity then do not bother. You are not welcome.
“We are a united city. One that embraces and celebrates diversity and all communities. We must not allow ourselves to be divided by racists who are capitalising on an awful tragedy with lies and misinformation.
Even today we have seen social media posts claiming that certain hotels in the city centre are housing refugees. That is simply not true. “Throughout the day, Council officers have been working hard with the Police and other partners, to ensure that the city centre is prepared.
We’ve spoken to businesses, installed more CCTV and ensured that properties are as secure as they can be. At the same time we have reached out to our local community leaders – to offer reassurance and support. “Whilst we do not know what is going to happen this evening, we want everyone to be safe.
Therefore, staying away from the city centre for the next few hours might be the most sensible thing to do. We are hopeful that everything will be peaceful. But should that not be the case, together with our partners, we have robust plans in place.
” As a reminder, in an emergency please call 999 or anything non urgent to report – please call 101. In addition, Victim Support is an independent charity offering free and confidential support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour. Victim Support can be contacted by calling freephone number 0808 16 89 111 or via their website Our reporter at the scene, Carl Eve, says a young girl who was shouting was the first person to be arrested.
Moments later a man was arrested. "Lots of shouting, and within moments they've gone," Carl said. A series of businesses have announced they are closing early due to the planned protests.
Brass Monkey, Franco Manca and Buzz Bingo have all told customers they will be closed tonight, but it looks like Cineworld will remain open. Buzz Bingo is not opening this evening. Franco Manca has said it will close at 5.
30pm today and the Brass Monkey is taking last drinks orders at 5.30pm, for a 6pm close. Anti-fascist campaigners from Cornwall will be in Plymouth tonight (Monday, August 5) for a counter-demonstration against a far-right protest targeting refugees at the same location.
The right-wing protest, which is using slogans like "stop the boats" and "protect our children", is scheduled for outside the Guildhall from 7pm. Read more here. The first signs of a police presence have started to appear in Royal Parade.
Officers are chatting to people walking past and some of the bus stops have CityBus workers advising people of the diversions. Plymouth City Council has said: "In order to ensure the safety of staff and residents, Central Library on Armada Way will be closing tonight at 4pm (rather than 6pm)." Fred Thomas MP wrote: "Plymouth has overcome our fair share of tragedy in recent years, and we stick together.
"Violence has no place in Plymouth. I will always support the right to peaceful protest, but anyone participating in violence will face the full force of the law. "If you are thinking of coming here to cause division and disorder, you are not welcome.
"The Prime Minister's words yesterday were crystal clear: 'I guarantee you will regret taking part in disorder. Whether directly or whipping up this action online, and then running away. Arrests and convictions will follow.
'" Plymouth City Bus and Stagecoach Southwest have issued the below notice for passengers: Due to a planned protest in Plymouth city centre this evening, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our passengers and staff. Starting from 15.30, all Plymouth Citybus, Go Cornwall Bus and Stagecoach Southwest scheduled services will be diverted away from Royal Parade and Mayflower Street.
Route Adjustments: Please stay updated through the City Bus website , Stagecoach website , and Twitter for real-time information. Plymouth City Centre Company has emailed businesses to urge them to make sure their premises are secure when they close ahead of today's planned protests. In other parts of the country stores have been looted by mobs when protests involving far-right sympathisers turned violent.
The Plymouth City Centre Company said: "Information has been received about two protests in the city centre tonight outside the Guildhall. The police, council and other agencies are fully prepared and extra policing, security and mobile CCTV will be in operation. Some businesses have decided to close early and some bus services will be re-routed to avoid Royal Parade.
Please make sure your business premises are secure when closing for the evening." With protests planned to take place in Plymouth city centre today (Monday, 05 August), Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) has taken the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s performance of The Devil Wears Prada and close the theatre at 4pm. Our audience members, staff and performers are our priority.
After discussions with the local authority, and other local partners, the decision to close was taken in everyone’s best interest. One bakery in Old Town Street has posted a message on its Instagram account stating "Important! Due to the protests meant to happen in town today we will be closing the town shop at the earlier time of 3.30pm to keep our staff and customers safe.
We hope you understand." "We are disappointed that there is a planned demonstration in Plymouth tonight. This is not how Plymouth operates.
"We have seen our fair share of tragedy over the past few years and throughout it all, we have shown that we stick together. Supporting each other. "The protest aims to divide communities by spreading distrust and hate.
"Last night the Leader of the Council issued a statement re-iterating that anyone wanting to come to Plymouth to kick start any criminal, violent or antisocial behaviour is not welcome. "We are working hard to support local communities and together with the local police and other partners we have reached out to local community leaders to offer our help and reassurance. Our priority is that everyone is and feels safe.
"We are also liaising with local businesses to make sure that they can make any necessary preparations in advance of the protests. We are deploying additional CCTV cameras to the area and offering our help to secure any properties e.g.
scaffolding that are insecure. "However, to ensure your safety, you might want to consider staying away from the city centre from 4pm this evening. "We know that a number of businesses have made the decision to close tonight or close early.
If you have any reservations or tickets for events, we encourage you to check with the venue to ensure they are still going ahead before leaving home. If you are a local business and you have any questions, please contact the City Centre Company in the first instance on: Steve.hughes@citycentrebid.
co.uk or call: 01752 398498. "We have made the decision to close Regent Street Car Park, if you are parked there already, you will be able to remove your car and Council officers are on hand to help.
" City Bus and Stage Coach have also made the decision to reroute services away from Royal Parade from 3.30pm. Please look at their websites for further information.
" In a series of tweet Plymouth Citybus has highlighted changes to its timetables due to the protests at the Guildhall. They wrote: "Precautionary changes to buses in Plymouth from 1530. No buses Royal Parade/Mayflower Street Buses to Railway Station board at Western Approach +Cornwall Services Buses to North Hill board at Charles Street or University Buses to Marsh Mills / Plymstock board at Exeter Street.
"From 1530 today until further notice due to planned demonstrations in Plymouth City Centre as a precaution for customer safety these services will terminate on Western Approach and start from Toys R us. "From 1530 today will operate from Millbay to Western Approach then via North Cross roundabout back down Western Approach back to Millbay. There will be no service on Derrys Cross or Royal Parade until further notice today.
"From the Railway Station this service will operate to Western Approach in both directions and then via North Cross, Coburg Street and Charles Street to Exeter Street from 1530 for the rest of this evening until further notice. "Buses will operate from 1530 from Exeter Street via Charles Street, Coburg Street, Western Approach in both directions towards the station and on normal route towards West Park. "Due to closure of stops on Royal Parade from 1530 today Buses will operate to and from Exeter Street via Charles Street, Coburg Street and Western Approach to and from Union Street.
" Judge Peter Johnson has warned a jury who are currently hearing a trial at Plymouth Crown Court that today's hearing will end earlier than usual following a report that "all buses" on Royal Parade will stop running at 3.30pm today Devon and Cornwall Police have said it is "aware of disorderly forms of protests in recent days across the country which may have caused concern and worry amongst our communities." The force has today said it was acting on information that two groups will undertake a demonstration in Plymouth this evening.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “As a result of the information we have received, we will be increasing our presence in the city centre. I have a dedicated team planning the policing for this, and other events as they occur during the week. “This morning, I chaired a meeting with partners, to ensure we all work together supporting our communities at the busiest time of the year for all our services”.
“Residents, visitors, and local businesses can expect to see an increased policing presence in the area as a result of this. “We are liaising with the organisers to ensure compliance with the current law and to protect our communities. We understand the right to protest, but some protests have resulted in disorder and such conduct will not be tolerated.
We will take positive action against individuals in breach of the law. “We are fully prepared to respond to incidents of disorder, and we have the resources in place to deal with these incidents to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the local community.” Updates will continue on this page and on our social media accounts.
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