Thousands of riot officers are being mobilised across the UK ahead of further racist protests by far-right thugs. Violence has broken out across the UK after anti-immigration activists used a fatal knife attack in Southport as a pretext to take to the streets and attack mosques and burn hotels housing asylum seekers. We will keep you updated with the latest from around the UK in our live blog below.
It's understood that more than 30 potential gatherings have been planned for later today, Wednesday, August 7. Over 400 people having been arrested so far, with more than 100 charged by police. Yesterday, Tuesday, August 6, saw the first of those accused of violent disorder hauled before the courts.
As well as violent disorder, people have smashed shop windows and looted a number of stores. This is a live blog. Scroll down for the latest updates.
Key Events The inquests into the murder of three young girls in Southport last Monday are set to be opened today. Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were stabbed to death, while several others were injured when a the attacker entered a community centre which was hosting a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class for kids. The inquests will be formally opened at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.
A message on encrypted platform Telegram reveals 38 towns and cities potentially facing ugly clashes on their streets. Out of a total of 18,000 "Level 2" trained riot officers on Police Support Units across England and Wales around 30% have now been deployed, totalling 5,950. Police chiefs believe the worst violence has already been seen and expect another day or two of violence but are prepared if it continues.
Far-right activists are planning a fresh wave of disorder this week with almost 40 locations being shared across social media channels. Read more: UK riots 'planned by far-right in 38 areas' - police treat 'leaked target list' as 'credible threat' Following reports that far-right groups are planning to target locations in London, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I want to be very clear to anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear in our city: if you break the law, action will be taken against you." He went on to condemn the "disorder, racism and violence" seen across UK towns and cities this week.
He adds: "I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslim and monitiry ethnic communities scared and fearful, so I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbours, and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about." Communities minister Jim McMahon has rejected claims that police are treating some groups more harshly than others amid days of disorder. He told Times Radio he understands the narrative that Elon Musk and others are putting across when they talk about “two-tier” policing, in particular in relation to a counter-protest in Birmingham.
He said: “I certainly understand where the narrative comes from, because what he’s trying to do is to present a case that we treat different communities in a different way and somehow we give special treatment. That is not the case.” Sir Thomas Winsor has said two-tier policing "doesn't exist", adding there is repeated talk of two-tier policing by “politicians and others”, which deliberately “increases a perception of unfairness” which is incorrect.
Speaking on LBC with Nick Ferrari, the former chief inspector of constabulary said: “(Police) need to assess – the policing of public assemblies, marches, everything is a function of the operational independence of the police, and they have to assess day by day, hour by hour, the threat, harm and risk of individual circumstances. “There is a fundamental difference, for example, between marching for Gaza and being very noisy about it and violent disorder that we see now." Sir Thomas Winsor, who previously served as Her Majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary, said there should be “criminal liability” for senior managers at social media companies that tolerate “harmful material” and the incitement of crimes on their websites.
Asked about how the online sector should be policed by Nick Ferrari on LBC, Sir Thomas replied: “It should be policed according to the law and vigorously. I think the Online Safety Act is a big step forward but it doesn’t go far enough. “In my State of Police Report which I gave to Parliament in 2018, I made the point that some social media companies, internet companies, now own and operate what, to many people, have become significant pieces of public infrastructure and therefore their stewardship of that infrastructure is not purely a matter of commercial freedom.
“And I said that merely fining some of the world’s richest companies for tolerating the presence of harmful material on their websites, and incitement to commit a crime is itself a crime, is not enough. “I said there should be criminal liability for senior managers and that should be at the heart of a system of regulation.” Tributes were paid to Alice Dasilva Aguiar at St Patrick's Church following her killing.
One speaker, who spoke on behalf of Alice’s family, fought back tears as she said: “Alice, you are the most beautiful, strongest girl in the world and I hope you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep smiling and dancing with the girls.” She read out another message from the family, which said: “We love you Alice, Your smile is extremely contagious and full of joy.
You never fail to uplift everyone’s mood.” One of Alice’s classmates said: “You will be in our hearts forever. You are the most kindest person in the world, and we know that you are the strongest girl we have ever met.
” A member of staff from Alice’s school read out messages from her classmates, including one which said: “Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts.” The congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church after the ceremony. Mourners gathered to pay tribute to a nine-year-old Portuguese girl who died in last week’s mass stabbing at a dance class in Southport.
Family and friends of Alice Dasilva Aguiar read tributes in a well-attended memorial service at St Patrick’s Church on Tuesday afternoon. The service, led by Father John Heneghan, featured hymns and speeches read in English and Portuguese. Humberside Police have issued a stern warning that "there will be significantly more action and arrests over the coming days" as they brace for a planned protest rumoured for Hull today.
Cities across the UK, including Manchester, Liverpool, Plymouth and Birmingham, have been rocked by violent riots following the horrific murders of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside last week. A rumoured protest planned for Hull has been shared widely on social media, with Humberside Police warning residents about the potential repercussions of any violent behaviour. Despite not being able to confirm a time or place for the protest, Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin issued a statement on the force's website yesterday: "We are aware of a social media post suggesting there will be a protest in Hull tomorrow, Wednesday 7 August.
" He added: “It would be my advice to those intent on causing further disorder, to think again. However, those who choose not to heed this warning can expect to feel the full force of the law as we will do everything within our power to bring these offenders to justice." The Police Federation has warned "it could only be a matter of time" before an officer is "killed" in the unrest.
The PFEW, which represents almost 120,000 officers across England and Wales, has grave concerns following days of rioting. The federation's acting deputy national chair Brian Booth told the BBC that officers have been going to hospital for injuries and says that they are sometimes working 20 hour shifts to protect communities. "They were going from pockets of disorder in the Midlands up to the north of England to other pockets of disorder and then back again," he says.
"It could only be a matter of time before an officer is killed.” A Belfast business owner whose shop was damaged in recent disorder said he is too afraid to open his doors for the fear of further trouble. The shop owner, who operates in the Sandy Row area but wished to stay anonymous, said the front door of his was business smashed and the back door broken during recent rioting in the area.
In the area on Monday night, a 15-year-old was arrested for rioutous behaviour, and a man in his 50s who police said was "brutally attacked in a mob" in an incident being treated as a hate crime. The teenager has since been charged with two counts of riot, and possession of a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 7.
It comes after violence first erupted after an anti-immigration protest on Saturday, August 3, with a number of minority owned businesses in South Belfast being attacked. Further outbreaks of violence have since occurred in North and East Belfast in recent days, with many shops once again being targeted along with foreign nationals. Youths attacked a migrant-owned shop in Belfast but locals came out and chased them off.
Footage and images show the scenes: Nationalist youths on the Falls Road have attacked a shop owned by a Muslim. This is embarrassing for the liberal elite & nationalism who have been busy smearing unionists/loyalists for days! pic.twitter.
com/9wAsxsRFgp Well done to the people of West Belfast for coming to the defence of a migrant-owned business on the Falls Rd this evening. Tonight’s attack was awful but is representative of a minority. I commend the immediate response of the community, including PBP activists.
pic.twitter.com/EG3Z0NQiBe Humberside Police say they are aware of online rumours about a protest planned today.
Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin said: “We are aware of a social media post suggesting there will be a protest in Hull tomorrow, Wednesday 7 August. “At this moment we have not received any information to substantiate this report of a protest taking place. “Regardless, as people will no doubt be aware, we are actively progressing various lines of enquiry to identify those involved in the violent disorder that occurred on Saturday (3 August).
“This has already resulted in a number of arrests taking place, and I would like to take this opportunity to reassure our communities that there will be significantly more action and arrests over the coming days. “It would be my advice to those intent on causing further disorder, to think again. However, those who choose not to heed this warning can expect to feel the full force of the law as we will do everything within our power to bring these offenders to justice.
“We are well resourced and have specialist officers on patrol and available to provide both reassurance and to deal with any emerging issues robustly. “I would urge anyone with any information in relation to offenders or offences, to please get in touch on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You can also provide information directly to the investigation team, which will be dealt with in the strictest confidence, through the Major Incident Public Portal: Police water cannons have been positioned at a location in greater Belfast amid increasing violence within the city, according to reports.
This comes as Newtownards road closed completely at Holywood Arches following a road block fire. It is understood a glider has been diverted. As the situation continues to unfold, social media images are beginning to emerge of streets on fire amid another night of unrest, this time in East Belfast.
After another night of violence swept through the city, three men were arrested aged 26, 28 and 41 following a wave of incidents in connection with the distance in north Belfast. At around 8.45pm, it was reported that a car was hijacked by a group of masked men on Fingal Street.
Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was deliberately driven at the front of a business on Woodvale Road, causing minimal damage to the building, before the men made off from the scene. Officers were immediately deployed to the scene when it was reported, just after 9.25pm, that masked men were smashing windows in the Rathlin Street area.
So far, three men have been arrested in connection with the incident, on suspicion of a number of offences including criminal damage and remain in custody at this time. Commenting on the arrests, PSNI Superintendent Allister Hagan said: “I want to reassure the community that our officers remain in the area tonight, and north Belfast residents will be aware of their visible presence on the streets. “Our enquiries into the reports we have received this evening, which we are treating as racially-motivated hate crimes, are ongoing and we would encourage anyone with information to contact us on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting reference 1609 of 06/08/24.
" A seasoned journalist has shared his frustrations on social media after revealing that he was attacked this evening while reporting on the disturbance in the Woodvale Road area. Posting on X, Belfast Telegraph journalist Kevin Scott told his followers that while attending the scene after a car rammed into an estate agents, his own vehicle was attacked by a masked mob who damaged his car and attempted to force entry into it. A car has rammed an estate agents on the Woodvale road in north Belfast.
While attending the scene my car was attacked by a crowd of masked males who damaged the car and tried to gain entry. No police yet @BelTel pic.twitter.
com/VQNy2Vbxjw As tensions in the UK spill over into the seventh day of riots, violent disorder has once again gripped Belfast on Tuesday evening. Police are currently in attendance at the Woodvale Road area of North Belfast, following reports of disturbances in the city. Several police vehicles have been spotted making their way to the area and a police helicopter has also been circling the area.
It's understood that bus services in the area have also been suspended. As the chaotic scenes unfolded earlier in the evening, a car rammed an estate agents on Woodvale Road, while a second incident saw a vehicle belonging to a local photographer was also attacked by a crowd of masked males who reportedly damaged the vehicle and tried to gain entry. In worrying scenes, a group of youths also reportedly attacked a migrant-owned shop on the Falls Road area of the city at around 6pm, with footage shared on social media revealing the large group meeting up outside the business before launching an unprovoked attack.
Flames burning on the tarmac beside a police line in east Belfast. It looks like petrol bombs have been thrown at PSNI vehicles on the Newtownards Road tonight. Police have descended on north Belfast tonight following further disturbances in the city.
Several police vehicles have been spotted making their way to the Woodvale Road area, BelfastLive report. A police helicopter has also been circling the area. It's understood that bus services in the area have also been suspended.
Earlier this evening, a group of youths attacked on a migrant-owned shop A car has also rammed an estate agents on Woodvale Road. Separately, a car belonging to a local photographer was attacked by a crowd of masked males who reportedly damaged the vehicle and tried to gain entry. Large crowds gathered nearby as police appeared to make an arrest at a property in the area.
Even more countries have warned their citizens to avoid potentially dangerous parts of Britain as scenes of hate continue to plague the nation. Riots have broken out across the country since three young girls were stabbed and killed while attending a dance event in Southport. False rumours spread online following the attack about the suspect's background, ethnicity and religion.
Yesterday, four countries issued warnings to its citizens either visiting or living in the UK, following a week of dangerous and violent protests. Today, two more have followed amid concerns for people's welfare - bringing the total number to six. The two latest countries are the United Arab Emirates and Sweden, joining Nigeria, Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “UAE citizens in the United Kingdom [should] exercise the highest level of caution and take the necessary precautions in light of the security situation in various cities. Read the full story here . The Police Federation has warned "it could only be a matter of time" before an officer is "killed" in the unrest.
The PFEW, which represents almost 120,000 officers across England and Wales, has grave concerns following days of rioting. The federation's acting deputy national chair Brian Booth told the BBC that officers have been going to hospital for injuries and says that they are sometimes working 20 hour shifts to protect communities. "They were going from pockets of disorder in the Midlands up to the north of England to other pockets of disorder and then back again," he says.
"It could only be a matter of time before an officer is killed.” Sir Keir Starmer has attempted to cool fears by promising communities that they "will be safe" as Britain braces for potential further riots. In the face of ongoing disorder across UK towns and cities, the Prime Minister chaired a second Cobra emergency meeting tonight.
He said the government was doing "everything we can" to ensure police respond in numbers wherever they are needed. Sir Keir said he expects "substantive sentencing" by the end of this week. "That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week," he said.
An assault on a young boy in Belfast is being investigated as a hate crime by police. Officers said a large group of young people threw eggs at a shop on the Falls Road at 6.10pm on Tuesday.
They said a young boy was also assaulted by up to 10 youths and sustained a minor facial injury. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, who attended the scene, said the community was "disgusted" by the incident. He said west Belfast locals defended a business that came under attack by a group of young people.
A dispersal order has been put in place following reports of further potential disorder in the North East. Durham Constabulary currently has a dispersal order in place in Durham City until midday on Wednesday. A statement confirmed: "Following intelligence of planned disorder in Durham this evening, a dispersal order was put in place for the city centre alongside a heightened police presence.
"Officers have tonight issued dispersal orders to 37 people, aged between 38 years old and 13 years old, who arrived in the city centre this evening. "A 15-year-old boy, from Crook, was additionally arrested for a public order offence. "Police have received no reported incidents of disorder or criminal damage in the city centre this evening.
"The dispersal order will remain in place until noon tomorrow." The Prime Minister says he is expecting "substantive sentencing before the end of this week". Sir Keir Starmer chaired another emergency COBRA meeting this evening and said it was to "coordinate our response" to the disorder.
Over 400 people having been arrested so far, with more than 100 charged by police. Now the PM is expecting further action and told Sky News: "That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody should be involving themselves in this disorder. "Anybody involving themselves in this disorder is going to feel the full force of the law," he added.
The health secretary says people who are racist to NHS staff "can and should" be refused care. Wes Streeting hit out at the "mindless thuggery" of the rioters after two Filipino nurses were attacked on Friday night as they provided emergency care after riots erupted in Sunderland. Mr Streeting said those behind the cruel attack had "brought enormous shame on our country".
He added: "People who are abusing NHS staff can be turned away, and should be turned away, if that is the way that they are treating our staff. "I will not tolerate, under any circumstances, NHS or social care staff in any health or care setting being subjected to intimidation, harassment or racist abuse." The second emergency Cobra meeting has concluded as fears mount over a fresh wave of violent disorder across the UK.
Ministers and police chiefs were summoned tonight for crisis talks with the Prime Minister over the riots gripping the country. Police forces across the country and bracing for more disorder as they prepare for at least six potential events tonight and another 30 possible gatherings on Wednesday. Personnel involved have started departing and an update on what was discussed is expected later tonight.
Shops in city centres across the country are pulling their shutters down over fears of further planned far-right protests. Shops in Salford and Bristol have been shuttering this afternoon after far-right groups announced they planned to take to the streets. On Saturday, violent scenes erupted in Bristol City Centre , where the thugs are alleged to have targeted a hotel housing migrant families.
In Salford, the entrances to the shopping precinct have been shut down and as you walk through the town, stores like Aldi have followed suit. On social media, there have been several reports of gangs of yobs gathering at the precinct from around 1pm today, with people fearing a flare-up of violence. Greater Manchester Police said they were aware of the planned "protest".
Read the full story here. Police need the public's help after issuing an appeal to find the thug who struck a police dog with a brick during the riots. Staffordshire Police are hunting those responsible for injuring, Vixen, and six officers during a riot in the West Midlands over the weekend.
Vixen was bravely trying to stop one of the thugs during the unrest in Tamworth on Sunday night when a far-right mob set fire to a Holiday Inn Express. The hound was struck above her right eye with a brick and suffered a nasty gash that required medical treatment. She is now recovering at home and expected to return to work in a couple of days.
Six officers were also assaulted across two disorder incidents in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent. Read the full story here . The first person has been convicted of stirring up racial hatred during the riots after posting messages on social media platfom Facebook.
Jordan Parlour pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred after making advocating an attack on a hotel in Leeds. The 28-year-old has been remanded in custody. He will be sentenced on Friday.
There was no evidence that Parlour attended the hotel..
