UK riots latest: Counter-protesters outnumber far-right demonstrators (2024)

Later in the evening in Blackpool a small group of demonstrators were seen raising flags on a roundabout at the corner of Waterloo Road and Lytham Road,

Chants of 'we want our country back' and 'England till I die' could be heard after at least one person was arrested earlier in the evening.

The protest remained peaceful but tense with police keeping the situation under control as fears over a bigger turnout and disorder failing to materialise. Most people there were spectators.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb slammed the 'small amount of thugs' who turned up and said they were 'just here to cause trouble'.

Earlier we reported that two people were arrested in Carlisle on suspicion of public order offences.

Cumbria Police have now arrested a further four people in the town after a dispersal order was issued following reports of planned disorder on Wednesday night.

Cumbria Police arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the alleged posting of hate-related content online.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

They remain in police custody.

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of breach of a dispersal order.

Blackpool South's Labour MP Chris Webb (above, with deputy leader Angela Rayner) visited the site of a planned protest in the Lancashire resort.

He was tackled on the issue of immigration by some of those gathered, while one woman shouted from a car to ask: 'What are you doing for our country?'

Mr Webb, a former Lancashire police and crime commissioner, said he wanted to visit the site to 'support the police' and 'engage with the public'.

There has been little sign of any violence at the protest, which was due to be held outside an immigration law office, although one man was detained earlier in the evening.

A small group of protesters gathered on a roundabout to fly a St George's flag and chant 'England 'til I die' but fears of disorder like that seen in the town on Saturday had failed to materialise by 9.30pm.

Police have arrested a man following social media rumours about protests in Bordesley Green in Birmingham on Monday night.

West Midlands Police said the 49-year-old man had been detained on Wednesday evening.

He was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and possession of a firearm and remains in custody.

The arrest follows investigations into posts on various social media platforms alleged to be inciting racial hatred with an image of a man holding a firearm.

By Richard Marsden

In Accrington, there were police horses on the streets amid fears of a violent confrontation.

Riot vans and police cars lined up behind the town hall in case of any trouble and other police vehicles patrolled the streets.

The town's Arndale Centre was shut up early after police advice there could be trouble,

But Muslims in the town posted a video of people in pubs coming out to embrace them as they walked through the streets.

Some teenage boys and girls could be seen hanging around the centre obviously looking to see if a riot was happening and were disappointed when they didn't find one.

Lots of local food shops including Indian and Chinese takeaways remained open although one or two had taken the precaution of leaving the window shutters down and keeping just the front door open.

Police in Bristol have made an arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle.

Despite the largely peaceful scene across the country, dozens of police officers in Aldershot rushed in to separate opposing groups after tempers flared earlier this evening.

Protesters holding 'Stand Up To Racism' placards had been chanting 'refugees are welcome here'.

A group across the road had been chanting back "stop the boats" and some walked towards the Stand Up To Racism demonstrators, stopping traffic, and angry shouting occurred.

One image from the scene shows a man covered in blood with a gash across his forehead. The same man had earlier been pictured speaking to police officers attending the scene.

A man has been arrested in Sunderland where a far-right protest was planned to take place earlier this evening.

Police in Northampton are asking counter-protesters to leave after planned anti-immigration protests in the town failed to materialise.

Anti-immigration protestors have blocked off a major road in Portsmouth this evening.

The protesters caused traffic chaos as they shut off the main route into the city as part of their demonstration against immigration.

In total, around 75 anti-immigration protesters turned out at the Shell petrol station next to the Border Agency office, which was the alleged target of EDL attacks.

The office remained untouched and protestors were not violent however some had heated scuffles with police when they blocked off the road that leads to the M275.

Protestors were heard shouting ‘no more immigrants’ and ‘save our kids’, while one 16-year-old shouted: 'My grandad flew for your freedom and this is what it’s turned into'.

Riot squad police officers were deployed to the scene after protestors took to the road.

After being cleared from the road, protestors marched down the major road and caused further traffic delays by blocking the road.

Small sections of anti-fascist protesters gathered in the area however they remained largely separated from the anti-immigration group.

One anti-immigration protestor, bricklayer Johnny Smith, 31, said:

A man has been arrested near to the site of a planned protest in Blackpool.

A crowd of passers-by jeered as the man was pinned to the ground and put in a police van.

Speaking at an anti-fascist protest in Southampton, Glyn Oliver, 70, said he was greatly encouraged by the turn out.

The retired primary school teacher said:

Chairman of Stand up to Racism in the city, Victoria Ugwoeme, echoed this sentiment. She said:

The branch’s secretary, Steve Squibbs, added:

Hundreds of anti-fascists have outnumbered far-right protestors in Southampton this evening.

Chants of ‘Refugees are welcome here’ were belted out by around 400 protestors in the city centre - against just 50 anti immigrant demonstrators.

The counter-demonstration came after dozens of potential towns and cities were published ahead of anticipated violence on Wednesday evening.

In the South Coast city, an immigration office was listed as the point of congregation.

However, hundreds of local residents met at the ‘Peace Fountain’ in a nearby park, where the 'Refugees are Welcome' chants began.

The group then marched towards Y-Axis Immigration Consultants - whose staff had worked from home today in anticipation.Cordoned off by police, hundreds sang ‘We are the unity in our community’ and ‘There are many, many, many more of us than you’.

Less than 50 far-right protesters appeared to be present and couldn’t be heard over the anti-protestors’ chanting.

One protestor - with a St. George’s flag tied around his shoulders - tried to run at the anti-fascists from a side road. However, he was intercepted by police and appeared to be arrested.

Shortly after 8pm, the anti-fascists were moved on by police, back to the park which they had congregated at. They were then dispersed after tensions briefly rose with a group of younger protesters.

Far-right protesters have reportedly turned up to an anti-facist protest in North Finchley this evening, resulting in scuffles between the two groups.

By Isaac Crowson in Canterbury

Dozens of counter-protesters have descended on Canterbury in response to the threat from the far-right.

Many of them have congregated near Canterbury Mosque. Police have issued dispersal orders in the area.

The group said they wanted to 'protect the city' from the threats which have been advertised.

One said: 'We’ve come here to protect the area. The threat is big and real.'

More than 200 counter protestors gathered outside an immigration lawyer's office in Oldham as far-right failed to turn up.

Four police riot vans guarded the area on the outskirts of the Greater Manchester town ahead of the proposed 8pm far-right protests.

A nearby Aldi boarded up it's windows and businesses closed early.Asian youths and anti-racism protestors wore face masks to hide their identity.

A Manchester against Fascism group held up a red banner with the words: 'Solidarity against the Far Right'.

Taxi driver Ali Shah, 43, said:

A local man taking part in an anti-fascist protest in Bristol who didn't want to be named said:

Thousands of counter protesters lined the streets of Bristol ready for a showdown with far-right rioters targeting an immigration centre.

The mostly-local anti-fascist protesters threw a human shield around Gya Williams Immigration who prepared for the violent mob by taking down all their office signage.

A furniture shop called The Sofa Project boarded up its windows in case bottles and other missiles were thrown.

Hundreds of police were out in force in the city's West Street to prevent clashes between the two groups.

Locals businesses hoped stiff custodial sentences handed out to Southport rioters earlierin the day would keep the far-right mob away.

They were also taking comfort in the numbers of counter protesters who turned up to resist a violent infiltration. The number at 8pm, the prescribed time of the riot, was estimated at 3,000, with more counter protesters arriving by the minute.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a Section 60AA order after refusing to remove his face covering, police said.

Cleveland Police introduced the special power following disorder in Hartlepool and Middlesborough over the past week.

The man was challenged by officers on Park Lane in Middlesborough on Wednesday evening and asked to remove a face covering.

When he refused to do so, he was arrested.

A section 60AA order gives police the power to remove any item from a person that they reasonably believe is being used to conceal their identity.

During a search, police also recovered drugs and an offensive weapon, the force said.

Hundreds have gathered outside an immigration advisory service named as a target by the far right to hold a peaceful counter protest tonight.

The demonstrators stood outside the Beacon Business Centre on Westgate Road in Newcastle where they expected to face rioting thugs.

United Immigration Services, which has offices in the building, had been listed along with other similar organisations across the country as a place for the far right to protest.

Today, workers at the centre prepared to go home earlier amid fears of a riot.

But there was no sign of thuggery in the area by 8.30pm, as the peaceful protestors held banners, including one which read: 'F*** of Nazis.'

One demonstrator held a loudspeaker as he shouted:

Northamptonshire Police said three people had been arrested for public order offences in Northampton, and were in custody, and no members of the public or police had been injured.

The force earlier said about 150 counter-protesters had gathered at the junction of Kettering Road and Clare Road, and that police were asking people to avoid the area.

Police officers have reportedly been forced to separate opposing groups in Aldershot after tempers flared.

Protesters holding 'Stand Up To Racism' placards had been chanting 'refugees are welcome here'.

A group across the road had been chanting back 'stop the boats'.

Some of them walked towards the Stand Up To Racism group, stopping traffic, and angry shouting occurred.

Dozens of police officers then rushed onto the road to stop groups from getting too close to each other.

One young man, among those who moved towards the Stand Up To Racism group, was seen being spoken to by two officers.

Videos from social media earlier today show anti-fascist protesters lining one side of a road in the city.

Cumbria Police arrested two men on suspicion of public order offences - including using threatening words or behaviour intended to stir up religious hatred - relating to online activity.

A 41-year-old man from Carlisle was arrested over the alleged posting online of content encouraging violence against police officers and promoting public disorder.

Meanwhile a 40-year-old man, also from Carlisle, was arrested in connection with the alleged posting of hate-related content online.

Both men are in police custody and Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick said:

Police have removed a protester who refused to remove their face mask outside the Merseyside Refugee Centre in Liverpool.

The same man was earlier seen being questioned by officers on their patrol in preparation for planned anti-immigrant protests in the city later this evening.

No protesters have assembled half an hour past the planned start time for a demonstration outside an immigration centre in Walthamstow.

The area earmarked for the protest has been taken over by thousands of counter-demonstrators who can be seen at least a mile back (above).

Videos posted to social media have shown hundreds of counter-protesters in Brighton surrounding a group of men in Brighton.

Police were seen forming a baracade around the group of men as anti-racist protesters chanted 'fascist scum off our streets'.

By Kevin Donald in Middlesborough

In Middlesborough business owners and their friends and families gathered on Parliament Road, the scene of the worst of Sunday's disorder.A crowd of around 150 people stood outside their shops, restaurants and barbers in anticipation of further violence.

The street is at the centre of the town's migrant and refugee population, with businesses owned by people who have arrived in the town from all over the world.

It suffered the worst of the damage in the weekend's chaos.

Shop owner Aran and his friends were sitting on the pavement drinkingtea outside a Turkish barber's shop.He said:

Cleveland police riot vans kept a discreet watch on the town's Immigration Advice Centre, said to be the target of an orchestrated attack by the Far Right on Wednesday night.

Former Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh has been speaking to journalists ahead of the planned far-right protests across the UK tonight.

He said a new approach to policing has been taken in the wake of far-right riots to ensure those who are inciting violence are swiftly arrested and brought to justice.

Huge numbers of people have taken to the streets for a counter protest in Bristol ahead of a second anti-immigration rally that is expected to take place this evening.

It comes after disorder broke out in Bristol city centre on Saturday evening as around 200 anti-immigration protesters clashed with counter-protesters and police.

Staffordshire Police has made three more arrests as part of its investigation into the violent disorder that took place in Tamworth on Sunday.

A 28-year-old and a 43-year-old, both of Tamworth, have both arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, while a 37-year-old man, from Tamworth, has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

All three remain in custody.

Humberside Police said 35 people had now been arrested over disorder in the force area on Saturday.

Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin (above) pledged they would take action against everyone involved.

Police have authorised the use of stop and search powers across parts of Harrow and Hillingdon in west London until 2am tomorrow.

A section 60 allows officers to stop and search people without reasonable grounds and also order people to remove any face coverings that may be used to disguise their identity.

A Derbyshire woman has avoided jail after being convicted of racially or religiously aggravated harassment, assaulting an emergency worker and stirring up hatred during disorder in Nottingham at the weekend.

The Crown Prosecution Service said 42-year-old Victoria Jayne Gray was detained after pushing an police officer, shouting a series of offensive racist and hom*ophobic comments, and spitting on the officers arresting her.

At Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, she also faced a charge of possession of a weapon for taking a can of pepper spray to the scene in Long Row.

She pleaded guilty to all offences and was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered to attend 15 days of rehabilitation activity, the CPS said.

Cole Stewart, 18, was caught on CCTV 'celebrating' after he hurled bricks at officers during disorder in Darlington, County Durham, on Monday evening.

The camera captured him repeatedly throwing objects at the police near North Lodge Park, with one of them hitting an officer.

The teen was arrested, charged with violent disorder, and remanded in custody.

He appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

By Isaac Crowson in Canterbury

Businesses, residents and shoppers in Canterbury fear there will be 'absolute carnage' this evening.

The Sainsbury’s in the city centre is shutting early.

There is a huge increase in police patrols in the area, including the Canterbury Mosque.

That is near a location which has been listed online as being a meeting point for a protest this evening.

Students have been advised to not congregate this evening, they told MailOnline.

One said: 'We’ve been told to avoid the area at all costs.

'There’s a fear there will be absolute carnage with these protests. It’s madness.'

Private security firms are also patrolling the area, including university campuses.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has told elected representatives to 'exercise caution' amid fears immigration and asylum assistance offices could be among the targets.

MPs are thought to have been told 'home working' is one option among several to bolster their security and a Commons spokesperson has warned MPs' safety 'is fundamental to our democracy'.

According to sources, the letters - sent to all MPs - read: 'The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) have reached out to Members who have offices in close proximity to these planned demonstrations, to make them aware.

'Other offices - particularly those with prominent and easily identifiable locations - may wish to consider their security protocols.'

Heroic businessman Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg as he tried to disarm the Southport attacker after running into a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop last Monday.

The 63-year-old was among those who tried to intervene as a knifeman launched a frenzied attack on a group of children enjoying aworkshop at the beginning of the school holidays.

Speaking to Sky News earlier today he said he 'would've liked to have done more' but is 'grateful' to be alive.

Police officers have dispersed a group of residents chanting Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest) at a counter-protest in Walthamstow.

The group had gathered ahead of an anti-immigration protest called by far-right activists, outside the Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau offices in the London suburb.

The King is understood to be engaging privately in the issues generated by the outbreak of violence across the country.

Following the Southport stabbings Charles, at his request, has been briefed on a daily basis about the evolving national situation.

By Vivek Chaudhary

A British businesswoman accused of being the first person to post false information that the Southport stabbings suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in Britain by boat says she is 'mortified' by what happened.

Just hours after three girls were murdered at a Taylor Swift dance workshop last Monday, Bonnie Spofforth posted on X the wrong name of the boy accused of carrying out the attacks.

Before the victims had been identified, Mrs Spofforth, 55, wrote at 4.49pm: 'Ali Al-Shakati was the suspect, he was an asylum seeker who came to the UK by boat last year and was on an MI6 watch list. If this is true, then all hell is about to break loose.'

The false information, including what is believed to be a fictitious name, spread rapidly around social media, sparking far-right anti-immigration riots across the country.

Read the full story here:

Waltham Forest Council is advising residents to avoid areas in and around Walthamstow central station.

Deputy leader Clyde Loakes said:

A 17-year-old-boy from Walton has become the 16th person to be charged over disorder in Southport and Liverpool, Merseyside Police said.

The teenager, who cannot be named, has been charged with violent disorder and burglary in the city centre on Saturday.

He has been remanded and will appear at Merseyside Youth Court on Thursday morning.

Merseyside Police have released images of 14 people after incidents which followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport last week.

Violence broke out in Southport on Tuesday night and then in Liverpool city centre and Walton on Saturday.

Officers were injured and damage was caused to police vehicles and buildings, including a library which was set on fire.

Shops in Walthamstow have boarded up their windows due to risks of their safety and possible looting ahead a planned far-right protest in the northeast London area.

It follows similar scenes from Northampton where businesses have also boarded up today amid fears of unrest in the town later this evening.

Irish police will provide 'full co-operation' to investigations into anyone who took part in recent violent disorder in the UK, Ireland's justice minister has said.

Helen McEntee (above) said she reaffirmed a shared commitment with the UK Government on a range of matters during a call with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Ms McEntee said An Garda Siochana, Ireland's police service, would fully co-operate with all investigations involving any people from Ireland who have participated in recent riots.

In a statement, she said:

The Director of Public Prosecutions has continued to warn people of their conduct on social media ahead of dozens of riots that are planned across the UK this evening.

Stephen Parkinson said:

Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson has gone on to warn anyone to 'be mindful' of what they are posting online.

He said:

Police in Walthamstow are already on high alert, with officers positioned in both the centre and at the train station.

A large group of men were seen shouting outside a Travelodge before being met with at least 30 officers.

A young boy also appeared to have been stopped by officers at the train station. A group of people surrounded the police van and were seen shouting at officers.

Earlier we brought you the news that one case of alleged terrorism is 'actively under consideration' by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson (above) has now confirmed no terrorism charges had yet been brought in connection with violence across the country as police are steeled for as many as 100 events of disorder 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'.

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said it expected that number to rise 'significantly' in the coming days, as officers looked to make further arrests.

Mr Parkinson said extradition would 'of course' be considered in relation to people posting online about inciting UK riots while being out of the country.

Addressing what may be considered a terrorism offence, Mr Parkinson said:

Another MP has also hit out at the comments made by former minister Robert Jenrick after he suggested people who say 'Allahu Akbar' should be 'immediately arrested'.

Mel Stride (above) accused his fellow Tory leadership candidate of being 'insensitive' with his comments.

The former work and pensions secretary Mr Stride said:

Angela Rayner also today accused Robert Jenrick of 'stirring up some of the problems' in recent days, after he suggested people who say 'Allahu Akbar' should be 'immediately arrested'.

Asked about the Tory former minister's comments on Sky News, the Deputy Prime Minister replied:

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (above) has said 'it's not a legitimate complaint to throw bricks at police' as she vowed those involved with riots 'will be met with the law'.

She said:

Asked what further tools were at the Government's disposal for dealing with riots, Ms Rayner said:

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney (above, second left) has said he has 'deep concern' about escalating violence across the UK.

Following a meeting with faith leaders in Scotland, Mr Swinney said:

However, the First Minister added that police officers in Scotland were equipped to deal with any unrest north of the border.

Officers were assessing risks in Scotland amid concerns of demonstrations across the country.

He said:

One case of alleged terrorism is “actively under consideration” following widespread disorder across the country, the Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson has said.

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:

A man put his middle finger up at a judge after being denied bail for alleged racially aggravated assault and public order offences.

Matthew Wilson, 31, of Parrock Street, Rossendale, repeatedly punched the glass of the dock and shouted obscenities at Manchester Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Laura Peers alleged Wilson and Alex Fraser, 20, made racist comments and 'randomly' attacked an Asian man in Manchester city centre on Monday, and had boasted of their involvement in wider disorder.

After being denied bail, Wilson said:

Fraser, of Leicester Road, Salford, also pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated assault and denied taking part in any wider disorder.

Fraser and Wilson were both remanded into custody and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

After being denied bail, Fraser, who was visibly upset as he left court, said:

by Matthew Lodge

Police are preparing for more than 100 planned protests and 30 further counter-demonstrations today as far-Right thugs use social media and encrypted messaging apps to plan violence across the UK.

Nearly 6,000 police officers have been drafted in after a list of 39 locations where the yobs could wreak havoc - including immigration centres, refugee shelters and lawyers' homes - emerged late last night.

Leaked messages from what appear to be far-Right Telegram channels show those involved threatening the lives of anti-racism campaigners, using sick slurs and exchanging tips on how to 'hood up' as they prepare for fresh demonstrations today.

Gatherings are now anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales. A police source said: 'Today is probably going to be the busiest day of the week, into the evening. Tonight, we think it's looking like a credible picture. We are preparing for activity across 41 forces.'

Resources are being shared around the country as forces respond to intelligence, with the Metropolitan Police understood to be sending some officers to Manchester while others in the south east are also travelling to support colleagues in north east and north west forces.

According to police sources, immigration centres and lawyers' offices are anticipated to be the main focus for the gatherings but officers could also be deployed to hotels housing asylum seekers if intelligence establishes they face credible threats.

More than 1,300 specialist public order officers can be deployed across the capital to respond to unrest on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said the team, which includes mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers, can identify offenders even if they are masked.

He also urged parents to check on the whereabouts of their children so as they avoid getting 'caught up in potentially violent and criminal behaviour'.

He said:

Our live coverage has attracted dozens of comments from readers today with many questioning how police forces are able to mobilise 6,000 riot officers amid fears of further disorder.

Here is a snapshot from our readers on the UK riots:

Cumbria Constabulary has put in place a dispersal order for Carlisle city centre amid reports of potential planned disorder later this evening.

Extra patrols will be out in force throughout the afternoon with officers given enhanced stop and search powers and the authority to remove face coverings and items that may be used to commit anti-social behaviour

Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick said:

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has said he is 'shocked and angry' that businesses in the region had been targeted during violence following anti-immigration protests.

Mr Benn said he has met some of the business owners who have been attacked and PSNI officers who have been dealing with the violent disorder.

At a press conference at a community centre in Belfast, held with Northern Ireland Office minister Fleur Anderson, he said it was 'really important' that people who are 'shocked and angered and disgusted by what is happening speak up'.

He said:

by Greg Heffer

Humza Yousaf has revealed Britain's riots crisis is making him unsure if his family should remain in the UK.

The former SNP leader, who was Scotland's first Muslim first minster, described the scenes of violence across towns and cities as 'horrendous'.

He said he had worried 'for some time' about rising Islamophobia in Britain and claimed the 'language of the far-right' had 'become institutionalised in our politics'.

Mr Yousaf replaced Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland's first minister in March last year, but quit in May after little more than a year in the job.

He told The News Agents podcast: 'You cut me open, I'm as about as Scottish as you come.

'But the truth of the matter is, I don't know whether the future for me and my wife and my three children is going to be here in Scotland or the United Kingdom.'

Actor Will Mellor has revealed his daughter is too afraid to leave the house amid ongoing violence and disorder in England as he urged people to come together.

Mellor, who recently played subpostmaster Lee Castleton in ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, said he was 'sick' of waking up to endless negativity including posts from 'faceless' social media accounts.

He said he felt compelled to speak out after his daughter told him she was afraid to leave the house.

If you're just joining us this afternoon, the headline news is that police are preparing to respond to 100 far-right gatherings and 30 counter protests in what could be the busiest day of disorder for officers so far.

The first prison sentences have also been handed down to rioters after Sir Keir Starmer vowed to ramp up justice with one thug jailed for three years after he attacked a police officer outside a mosque in Southport

Here's everything you need to know:

We will continue to bring you updates and reaction from throughout the afternoon.

The Prime Minister has highlighted prison sentences handed down to three men for riots in Merseyside as examples of 'swift action' the Government is taking to those causing violent disorder.

Following jail terms for Derek Drummond, Declan Geiran and Liam Riley, Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: 'This is the swift action we’re taking. If you provoke violent disorder on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law.'

Sir Keir warned those caught being involved in riots across England and Northern Ireland can expect to be rapidly processed through the courts.

Sheffield United Football Club has announced its Bramall Lane stadium will shut this afternoon in anticipation of anti-social behaviour across the city.

The club, which was relegated from the Premier League last season, has urged supporters to remain united amid ongoing disorder across the country.

Greater Manchester Police has released a message to communities across the region amid reports of possible further disorder taking place today

The force said its advice to residents is to 'remain calm and to try to go about your every-day life'.

It said in a statement:

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by Dan Hodges

Let’s start with the facts. Keir Starmer is right.

The overwhelming majority of the violence and disorder we have seen on Britain’s streets is being perpetrated, organised and provoked by the Far-Right.

Yesterday I spoke to politicians from both the present and previous government. They had been in contact with senior police officers currently in the front line of dealing with the disturbances. And they were in agreement.

‘The thing that has alarmed the police is the scale of coordination over the disorder,’ a Home Office minister told me. ‘These aren’t just spontaneous outbreaks of violence. It’s right-wing extremists, and it’s very highly organised.’

‘What’s caught everyone by surprise is the speed with which it’s being spread on social media,’ a Conservative former minister revealed, “especially the disinformation”.

“The police are really alarmed by it. It’s unprecedented in this country.”

An office worker in the City of London said he and his colleagues have been told to leave their office near Liverpool Street due to 'planned riots' in the area.

He said that employees have been advised to work from home for the remainder of the week and not to attend the London office.

Police believe most of the disorder is being carried out by 'low-level criminals' using the unrest as an excuse to commit crime, the source has added.

They said:

Police are understood to be preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter protests on Wednesday, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.

A police source told the PA News Agency:

Resources are being shared around the country as forces respond to intelligence, with the Metropolitan Police understood to be sending some officers to Manchester while others in the south east are also travelling to support colleagues in north east and north west forces.

According to police sources, immigration centres and lawyers’ offices are anticipated to be the main focus for the gatherings but officers could also be deployed to hotels housing asylum seekers if intelligence establishes they face credible threats.

Businesses in Northampton have boarded up today amid fears of unrest in town later today.

It follows cases across other areas of the country with shops and offices deciding to remain shut today amid reports of more than 30 far-right gatherings.

At Manchester Magistrates Court, a man has pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred by using racist language on a live stream he broadcasted to “millions of people” from outside a hotel in Stockport thought to contain asylum seekers.

Aaron Johnson, 32, of Criterion Street, North Reddish, admitted distributing images intended to stir up racial hatred outside the hotel on Monday.

Prosecutor Laura Peers said:

Ms Peers said Johnson “became aggressive to members of staff” at the hotel, adding that he told them 'he would smash their face in'. The prosecutor said Johnson, who was arrested outside the hotel, had 'exposed occupants of the hotel to a real danger'.

She said the live stream had been 'viewed by millions of people', adding 'within the stream he repeatedly refers to migrants in a derogatory manner' and used racist language.

Johnson was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on August 21.

We've now received reaction from the Crown Prosecution Service after three men were jailed following Merseyside riots in Liverpool and Southport.

Derek Drummond, 58, was jailed for three years while Declan Geiran, 29, and Liam Riley, 40, were sentenced to 30 months and 20 months respectively.

Speaking outside Liverpool Crown Court, Sarah Hammond, chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said:

by Matthew Lodge and Eirian Prosser

A thug who punched a police officer in the face during a riot outside a mosque in Southport has been jailed for three years.

Derek Drummond, from Pool Street in the town, screamed 's***houses' at officers as they tried to put on their riot gear before attacking PC Thomas Ball during the disorder on July 30.

The 58-year-old was jailed for three years this morning at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

It comes as dozens more protesters are hauled before the court today as the recriminations continue against those alleged to have taken part in the last week's disgraceful violence on the streets of Britain.

At the same court today two people were jailed for taking part in a riot in Liverpool on Saturday, August 3.

Two men have also been jailed following violent disorder in Liverpool on Saturday.

Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and sending a malicious communication last year.

While Liam Riley, 40, of Walton Road, Liverpool, has been sentenced to 20 months after he admitted violent disorder and racially aggravated behaviour.

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.

The UK has been gripped by rioting in the past week, mostly targeted at buildings linked to immigration - but what are your compensation rights if your home or car gets damaged too?

Drivers and homeowners are not guaranteed payouts for any riot damage, as this can be a touchy subject for insurers.

Although most policies do cover rioting, some insurers specifically state that they will not pay claims for any harm coming from riots.

Our This is Money team have put together a guide on everything you need to know about compensation for riot damage to vehicles and properties.

Police Scotland has urged the public to avoid speculation and sharing inaccurate information following reports of a far-right gathering in Glasgow today.

The force's Greater Glasgow branch said there is no intelligence to suggest it is going ahead.

Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said 'thousands of officers (are) on tonight' to protect immigration law specialists being targeted by rioters.

He told broadcasters the targeting of immigration lawyers and services are 'at the center of our planning for tonight'.

He also added:

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has rejected accusations of two-tier policing as 'complete nonsense' and criticised those voicing the claims for putting officers at risk.

Responding to claims that far-right riots have been dealt with more harshly than other recent unrest, he told broadcasters:

Sir Mark said he was more concerned by 'serious voices' making the claims as it risked legitimising violence against officers but declined to name individuals when asked about X owner Elon Musk’s intervention.

On Monday, Sir Mark appeared to knock a Sky News journalist's microphone to the ground when he was asked about two-tier policing outside the Cabinet Office in Whitehall following a Cobra meeting.

Communities minister Jim McMahon has insisted police have the resources to deal with far-right thugs, adding there is no need for counter-protests.

He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain:

See his interview below:

The National Police Chiefs' Council has now confirmed 428 arrests have been made and around 120 people charged with numbers expected to rise significantly.

The group, which represents senior police officers, said extra prosecutors are on hand to help forces 'round the clock' with work continuing to free up space in prisons.

Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington said:

Good morning, if you're just joining us we are providing live coverage of the UK riots with police braced for further violence amid fears of more disorder.

Almost 6,000 officers have been mobilised after a hitlist showed far-right thugs are set to target up to 39 immigration centres, refugee shelters and lawyers' homes across the country.

So far we have yet to see any violence.

Here's everything you need to know what has happened:

We will continue to bring you the latest developments and reaction throughout the day.

Four men have been charged following disorder in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police said.

They include:

They have all been remanded into custody to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court later on Wednesday.

We can now bring you more on the inquest openings of the three victims of the Southport knife attack...

by Matthew Lodge

The inquests into the deaths of three young girls who were killed in the Southport stabbings have been opened.

Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died after a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space on Monday July 29.

This morning, nine days after the killings, senior coroner Julie Goulding formally opened and adjourned the inquests into their deaths at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.

Speaking in the courtroom, she said it would be 'impossible to adequately articulate the devastating lifelong effects of the truly tragic events of Monday, July 29'.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is set to stand trial next year after being charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Over the last week family, friends and members of the local community have paid their respects to the victims of the attack.

An assistant chief constable has urged people to ignore a list of locations, which has been shared on social media as possible targets for gatherings, saying police will be waiting.

Andy Mariner, of Essex Police, said there is 'disinformation on social media' talking about activity in the county on Wednesday, adding:

Here's a snapshot of just some of the disorder that has taken place over the past week as police clash with the far-right across towns and cities.

The riots have also drawn counter-protesters as Muslim groups gathered in Birmingham following false reports of a far-right demonstration.

See our video below?

Inquests into the deaths of Southport stabbing victims Bebe King (centre), six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar (right), nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe (left), seven, have been opened and adjourned at Bootle Town Hall.

Senior coroner Julie Goulding said it was 'impossible to adequately articulate the devastating lifelong effects of the truly tragic events of Monday, July 29.

Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick has branded rioters 'morons' and said debates about immigration and integration are 'for another day'.

The former immigration minister told Sky News:

A man has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon during a gathering in Birmingham after TV coverage showed someone apparently holding a sword.

Shehraz Sarwar from Birmingham was arrested and charged by West Midlands Police following the incident in Bordesley Green on Monday.

A number of counter-protesters gathered in the area after social media rumours of a far-right march being staged there.

The 46-year-old was remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

With Britain braced for more riots and disorder today, let's remind ourselves of how we got to this point.

Violent disorder and unrest has broken out in many towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland over the past week, starting in Southport in wake of a knife attack which saw three young girls fatally stabbed.

Disturbances have since spread to give Sir Keir Starmer the first test of his premiership as he battles to put a stop to the trouble brewing on the streets.

Watch our video below:

MailOnline has learned businesses across the country fearful of being caught in the firing line of the far-right violence have taken preemptive action, with some deciding to close rather than risking becoming collateral damage.

In Westcliff-on-Sea, in Southend, MNS Solicitors and Company (pictured), which provides assistance in immigration cases, boarded up its doors and windows in the face of a potential protest outside tonight.

In Walthamstow the Nags Head pub announced it would be closed today due to the potential for unrest after the area was named on the online hit-list as a target.

Hair salons and cafes in Barnsley and Brompton also joined the growing number of businesses refusing to open today.

In Sunderland, Italian restaurant Sambuca said: 'Although we have faith in Northumbria Police we cannot take the risk to be caught up in violent riots like the ones that happened a few days ago.'

In Bristol, which is on the list of potential targets, one lawyer said he had not been this fearful since the heyday of the BNP.

The carnage that has raged over the last week has hit medical appointments in some areas, with GPs cancelling evening services in the north east because staff were 'frightened to go to work'.

John Hayes, the brave businessman who was stabbed trying to protect young girls from a knifeman in Southport, has told the BBC he is 'dismayed' hearing Sir Keir Starmer warning rioters they face the 'full force of the law'.

The 63-year-old, who is still on crutches following the knife attack last Monday, said be believes the unrest is the result of 'strong undertones of discontent for some time about the levels of immigration'.

Speaking to the Today programme he said:

Earlier in the interview, Mr Hayes described the attacker as a 'crouching tiger' as he recounted how the man approached him while 'flailing this knife around'.

Last night, the Metropolitan Police released a statement warning anyone against taking action in London as the force vowed to use 'every power and tactic' at its disposal to prevent disorder.

Here is the statement:

Mr McMahon told BBC Breakfast a 'tiny minority' of people want to cause disruption, while the majority go about their everyday business.

He said:

He added those who do want to cause damage and disruption can expect to face 'the full force of the law' as Sir Keir Starmer aims to speed up sentences for rioters.

Communities minister Jim McMahon said the Government is concerned about a list of 39 destinations which could be targets for far-right thugs after it began circulating online.

The list is said to include addresses for immigration centres, refugee shelters and lawyers' homes and was posted on the Telegram.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr McMahon said:

We are concerned about the information that is being shared online. All of us are concerned that a list is being circulated.

We at this point don’t know if those will transpire to be protests in the way that we’ve seen in other places. Or whether it’s a list that’s intended just to cause alarm and distress, or even to provoke.

But to be clear we are absolutely prepared in terms of our policing response, our prosecutor response and also our court response.

This article is available only to Mail + subscribers

by Sarah Vine

Two images of Britain spring to mind this week.

The first, Emma ­Finucane, Team GB cycling gold medallist at the Paris Olympics, great-niece of Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane, the World War II fighter pilot and Spitfire ace, the youngest-ever wing commander in the RAF and a national icon for his ­heroics in the Battle of Britain.

What a legacy, what an achievement, what a proud moment for our country.

The other, an image of hate and ­bigotry, a preening thug with his features ­concealed by a Union Jack mask.

This country's standard, used to hide the face of a coward: it doesn't get more shameful than that.

Six people have been charged with violent disorder following a protest in Plymouth on Monday night which saw police officers injured and two members of the public taken to hospital.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the four adults and two 17-year-old boys have been charged under Section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986.

The defendants are

They are due to appear at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has released a statement this morning warning anyone planning to take part in violent disorder in the capital that action will be taken against them.

Mr Khan also urged Londoners to check on friends and neighbours as the riots had left many Muslim and minority ethnic communities 'scared and fearful'

Britain’s most senior prosecutor warned it is ‘deeply disturbing’ to see children as young as 11 taking part in riots across the country.

Stephen Parkinson warned there could be lifelong consequences for young people involved in the violence.

More than 400 people have been arrested so far, with terrorism charges considered for at least one suspected thug.

Yesterday Mr Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, said: ‘One of the most striking features of the current outbreak of disorder is that many young people are involved. Children as young as 11. This is deeply disturbing.’

He warned they risked lifelong consequences including criminal records which could hamper job prospects and the ability to travel abroad.

Mr Parkinson added: ‘Justice is coming for those who have rained chaos on their local streets.’

His comments came as a 14-year-old pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he was caught with a gang shooting fireworks at a crowd.

A 15-year-old boy, who appeared in court yesterday, admitted throwing a paving slab at a man’s head during riots in Liverpool.

by Mark Lister, Rory Tingle, James Tozer, Kevin Donald and Iwan Stone

An armchair thug who urged far-right yobs to 'smash the f**k' out of a hotel housing asylum seekers was today locked up pending his sentencing.

Jordan Parlour, a 28-year-old sign installer described by his lawyer as a 'family man', is the first man to be charged over Facebook posts relating to the violent disorder across the UK.

Parlour - who was unable to take to the streets for violence because he had broken his heel - instead turned to social media to incite protesters to target the Britannia Hotel in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

The hotel, in the Seacroft area of the city and close to Parlour's home, had been attacked with rocks and a window had been broken - though it was not the scene of mass violence.

Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions has said that terror legislation is already being used in relation to one rioting case meaning other instances of public disorder could be treated similarly.

In Teesside, medical appointments have been postponed in an effort to safeguard NHS staff and patients from the riots

Hospitals and a GP federation in the North East region say they have acted following days of 'deplorable violence and criminal activity'.

Stacey Hunter, group chief executive for University Hospitals Tees, said some health workers had struggled to get to work as a result of disorder in the area.

She said: 'No one should feel afraid to go to work and to live their lives.'

As a result of rioting, some clinics have had to change location while risk assessments had been carried out ahead of home visits.

The BBC is reporting that refugee charities and lawyers based in the North East of England are taking action to keep themselves safe amid the threat of ongoing unrest.

Newcastle and Sunderland are both included on a list of potential gatherings today while police issued dispersals to nearly 40 people in Durham city centre last night. Rioting took place in Sunderland on Friday (pictured)

One lawyer based in Newcastle told the BBC he had closed his office while a charity based in the region said it had cancelled a planned event for asylum seekers.

The group, who are not named, told the BBC its volunteers had faced racist abuse on public transport, and said: 'We don't want to put anyone at extra risk'.

Tuesday was a relatively peaceful day with police responding to no major disturbances on the streets although businesses in some areas shut early amid fears of disorder.

In Belfast, the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested six people and dealt with a number of race-related hate crimes, hate incidents and disorder across the capital.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said:

Elsewhere, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in Durham while 37 people, aged between 13 and 38, were handed dispersal orders in the city centre.

The order remains in place until noon today.

While Merseyside Police introduced a Section 34 dispersal order in South Liverpool following unrest in Southport and the city centre over the past week.

It means officers will be granted powers to direct anyone engaging in antisocial behaviour and seize items in their possession to help carry it out.

The order expires at 7pm tonight.

MailOnline has produced a map showing where more than 30 gatherings could be planned for Wednesday in what threatens to be the busiest nights of the riots so far.

Right-wing groups have organised dozens of protests from Liverpool to Hull and Middlesbrough to Plymouth - with many filled with anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Riots have seen hotels housing migrants set on fire and police attacked with bricks or glass bottles.

More than 400 people have now been arrested and Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson has said the thugs could face terrorism charges as the legal system fights to bring offenders to justice.

by Iwan Stone, Arthur Parashar and Katherine Lawton

Almost 6,000 officers have been mobilised after a terrifying hitlist showed far-right thugs are set to target immigration centres, refugee shelters and lawyers' homes today - as more race riots are set to spark chaos across the country.

Vile messages from inside Telegram channels fueling the violence show the yobs threatening the lives of anti-racism activists and using sick slurs.

And comments from the messages show plans to unleash further disorder across Britain this evening - with as many as 38 destinations making up a 'target list'.

More than 100 people have so far been charged over Britain's week of riots, after violence spread across the country following misinformation in the wake of the Southport stabbings. The Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed at least one of these is being looked at under terrorism legislation.

Towns and cities across England - from Aldershot to Wigan - have been named as places for demonstrations, with organisers saying 'they won't stop coming until you tell them...'.

Hello and welcome to MailOnline's live coverage of the UK riots.

Police forces are braced for further violence and disorder today after it emerged right-wing thugs are to target immigration centres, refugee shelters and lawyers' homes.

As many as 38 destinations in towns and cities have been included which has seen almost 6,000 officers mobilised across the country while Sir Keir Starmer insisted communities will be kept safe.

We will be bringing you the latest developments and reaction from throughout the day.