THE HEAD OF the Metropolitan Police has said that fears of further far-right rioting in UK cities last night were abated thanks to a “show of unity from communities”.
Police were on alert in response to a threat of over 100 planned anti-immigration protests that were planned to take place across the country.
Shops were boarded up in many towns and cities over fears of further rioting after a week of violent disorder which started in Southport, Merseyside, on 30 July.
However, fears of further violent disorder were quashed as thousands of peaceful anti-racism demonstrators gathered in areas including Walthamstow, east London, Bristol, Brighton, Liverpool and Sheffield.
A bird's-eye view of the huge anti-racist mobilisation happening in Walthamstow right now.
— Novara Media (@novaramedia) August 7, 2024
Via Novara Media’s @CharlottEngland. pic.twitter.com/iVtB15aopx
According to Stand Up to Racism, an estimated 25,000 people took to the streets to take a stand – they said – against racism and violence.
Speaking to UK media this morning, Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley said he was “pleased” with how the evening played out.
“We put thousands of officers on the street and I think the show of force from the police and frankly the show of unity from communities, together defeated the challenges that we’ve seen,” he said.
“It went off very peacefully last night. [There were] a couple of locations we had some local criminals turn out and try and create a bit of anti-social behaviour and we arrested a few of them.
“But it was a very successful night and the fears of extreme-right disorder were abated. A successful operation thanks to communities and police.”
'It was a very successful night and the fears of extreme-right disorder were abated'
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 8, 2024
Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley praised the 'show of unity from communities' after anti-racism protests took place to counter anticipated demonstrations from far right… pic.twitter.com/2YtfaR9su4
Rowley said that the force had conducted dawn raids this morning to arrest people who took part in the violence last week, saying “70% of them have got criminal backgrounds”.
“We’ve got criminal damage, violence, weapons offences, football banning orders. These are criminal thugs,” he said.
Any suggestion that they’re patriots, or they’ve got a cause that they’re protesting about is nonsense.
“Frankly, most of them are going to be charged with violent disorder and most of them are going to going to prison for a few years.”
More of those arrested in the unrest of the past week will appear in court today, including some likely to be jailed on live television.
Three men were jailed yesterday for up to three years after admitting violent disorder following riots in Liverpool city centre.
Last night, officers were understood to be preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter-protests, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.
But in most places, anti-immigration rioting failed to materialise.
In London’s Walthamstow, the crowd were chanting “Whose streets? Our streets” and “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.
Mahmood Faez told the PA news agency: “It fills our hearts. Regardless of race, religion, sexuality, this sends a strong message to racists that they are not wanted and they are not needed here.”
Despite the majority of forces facing little trouble, the Met Police said about 50 people gathered in North End Road, Croydon, south London, and had “made clear their intention is to cause disruption and fuel disorder”.
The force said those present in Croydon had dragged and thrown objects down the road, and thrown bottles at officers with 10 people arrested, including four for violent disorder and one for assaulting an emergency workers.
The Met said: “This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure antisocial behaviour.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said more than 1,000 officers were deployed in London, and the anti-racism protests in Walthamstow and Finchley passed “without major incident or disruption”.
He added: “I want to thank our communities for coming together across the capital and for showing community spirit this evening.”
Dozens of police officers in Aldershot separated opposing groups after tempers flared yesterday 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.
Avon and Somerset Police said officers made an arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle during a “largely peaceful” protest in Bristol.
Yesterday’s counter demonstrations came as those arrested over the past week continue to appear in court later this week.
Four men will be sentenced in Liverpool today after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
William Nelson Morgan, who admitted to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon, and John O’Malley, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, will be sentenced live on television at Liverpool Crown Court.
Adam Wharton, who pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal, and his brother Ellis Wharton, who admitted to the same charge, will both also be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Three men in Plymouth will also be sentenced today after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
Daniel McGuire, Michael Williams and Lucas Ormond Skeaping have each admitted a charge of violent disorder relating to protests in the Devon city on 5 August.
Christopher Douglas will appear in court at Hull Magistrates’ Court after being charged with violent disorder and possession of class B drugs following unrest in the city on 3 August.
With reporting from Press Association
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