Far-right thugs plotting violence on London’s streets were warned on Wednesday: “You will pay the price.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and police chiefs told the extremists that they would face “the full force of the law” as extra officers were mobilised across the capital at potential protest flashpoints.
Speaking to the Standard, Ms Cooper said: “Anyone who has taken part in the disorder should know, the police are coming after you with the weight of our full support behind them.
“You will pay the price. We have already seen perpetrators starting prison sentences this week and expect to see more.”
She added: “Let us be clear - criminal thugs on the streets and those who incite violence online will never be allowed to define who we are as a country, and they will never speak for our capital city.
“London’s strength comes from the way people from all backgrounds, faiths and culture come together to make the capital the incredible place it is.”
Scotland Yard, Mr Khan and ministers were among those appealing for calm after an extremists’ list of possible locations for anti-immigration demonstrations circulated on social media, including the encrypted Telegram app.
Anti-racism activists plan counter protests to “defend” asylum support centres in four boroughs - Harrow, Hounslow, Barnet and Walthamstow - which were on the list of apparent targets which seemed to have been compiled by Far-right extremists.
Ongoing unrest was sparked by the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last Monday. False rumours spread online that the teenage suspect was an asylum seeker.
London mayor Mr Khan said the capital has zero-tolerance for hatred “woven deeply” into its fabric and vowed: “Those who seek to divide our communities will never win.”
He added: “The disorder, racism and violence that we have seen in towns and cities across the country in the last week have been truly shocking.
“I’m aware of reports that far-right groups are now planning to target locations in London and 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.
“Acts of violence and disorder on the streets of London will not be tolerated, and if you commit a crime, you will be arrested and face the full force of the law.”
The maximum sentence for rioting is ten years in prison.
Britain’s most senior prosecutor has warned it is “deeply disturbing” to see children as young as 11 taking part in riots across the country.
Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, predicted lifelong consequences for young people involved, adding: “Justice is coming for those who have rained chaos on their local streets.”
Scotland Yard insists it will protect London from “one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade” by utilising “every power, tactic and tool”.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of the policing operation, condemned “racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country”.
He said: “We know about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital on Wednesday night. They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.
“We will not tolerate this on our streets.
“We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.”
A senior police source said prosecutors are prepared to bring terrorism charges against some rioters who brought destruction to Britain’s streets.
He added even if the London protests did not materialise, the terror caused will be felt across communities.
Detectives are viewing TikTok in an attempt to catch far-right demonstrators livestreaming self-incriminating footage of attacks on migrant hotels and mosques in towns and cities.
CCTV, officers’ bodycam or drone footage and video posted online are subject to retrospective facial recognition, the source said.
A police source said: “Wednesday is going to be a busy day. We are still assessing what is credible.”
Councillor Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow Council - where a team supporting migrants at a library is on the hit list, asked residents not to be alarmed by a large police presence drafted into the borough.
Mr Osborn said: “We understand the unease residents may feel and are working together to ensure the safety of our residents and businesses.
“We condemn violence and hatred in all its forms – it has no place in our society. Keeping Harrow and our residents safe will always be our top priority.
“We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages which identify a location in Harrow as one of 30 areas across the country for a protest to take place on Wednesday, August 7.
“Any instances of criminal activity and hate crime should be reported to the police. They will take the strongest action against anyone coming into the area to cause trouble.
“Harrow is home to many faiths, races, and backgrounds - our diversity is our strength. This strong bond has got us through difficult times in the past and this will continue to stop hatred from disrupting our communities.”
Cllr Barry Rawlings, leader of Barnet Council where an immigration centre could be targeted, added: “We stand in unity with all communities that have suffered heinous racist attacks and abuse in the past few days at the hands of gangs of far-right thugs.
“We are proudly a designated Borough of Sanctuary, meaning that we welcome and support those fleeing terror and persecution to rebuild their lives in Barnet.
“Barnet’s strength has always been in its diversity and many of our residents will be affected by the violence in some way.
“But we must not let the hate spill over into our borough.”
