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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Nadeem Badshah, Alasdair Shaw, Amy Sedghi, Geneva Abdul and Hamish Mackay

Dozens arrested across UK as Cooper says ‘violent thugs will pay the price’ – as it happened

Police Sunderland (Geopolitical Entity) Hope not Hate

A summary of today's developments

  • Far-right rallies and counter-protests took place across several cities in England and in Northern Ireland on Saturday. Groups faced off in Belfast, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Hull and Stoke-on-Trent. More violent disorder is expected with extra prosecutors called in to work this weekend.

  • Merseyside police said two officers have been taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw, following disorder in Liverpool city centre. Eleven arrests were made.

  • Avon and Somerset police said it has made multiple arrests while dealing with violent disorder in Bristol city centre.

  • Keir Starmer said police have the government’s “full support” to take action against “extremists” who attack officers and attempt to “sow hate” as he held talks with ministers over the violence across parts of England. Home secretary Yvette Cooper said she would work with forces to help ensure “consequences, arrests and prosecutions” for those responsible.

  • Three police officers have been injured and four people arrested amid disorder in Hull city centre. Humberside police said that “at this stage, three officers are believed to have suffered injuries” after a group of people targeted a hotel which houses asylum seekers.

  • A dispersal notice was authorised across Manchester city centre in order to assist police in dealing with protests, Greater Manchester police said on Saturday.

  • Twelve people were arrested in Sunderland for offences including violent disorder and burglary on Friday.

  • Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he was “appalled” by disorder in the city centre, which included a police station and a Citizens Advice office being set on fire, as well as a parked car. Some shops were looted. Many people turned out on Saturday morning to help with clean-up efforts.

  • The former home secretary Priti Patel criticised the government’s reponse to the violent disorder that has taken place since Monday’s Southport attack, and said that that parliament “must be recalled immediately”.

  • “Mindless violence” by a “minority with an agenda of hate” was on display on Friday night, the deputy leader of Sunderland city council said. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kelly Chequer said: “What we saw was totally unacceptable.”

  • “Violence, looting and vandalism – all of this is not protesting, it’s criminal behaviour,” Northumbria police and crime commissioner Susan Dungworth said on Saturday. She described Friday night’s violent disorder as “inexcusable criminality that targeted Sunderland and its communities”.

  • Counter-protests took place in Bradford and Liverpool on Friday evening, said the campaign group Stand Up to Racism.

  • Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Christian leaders were among those calling for calm at any demonstrations this weekend, amid warnings of potential escalation of violent disorder.

  • “Law and order” isn’t going to be enough to tackle the “undercurrent of Islamophobic hate [and] anti-immigrant hate” of the violent disorder that has spread after the Southport attack, said the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

  • Shadow home secretary James Cleverly shared a post on his X account, saying “we cannot let rioting thugs and extremists win”. He urged the government to “back our police to do what is necessary to maintain law and order and stop any further escalation”.

  • Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick condemned “far-right” organising of riots across the country and said “if there is a case” for proscribing the EDL it should be considered. Jenrick criticised Nigel Farage’s remarks about the Southport stabbings, saying they did not “make the situation better”.

  • Two men have been arrested after objects were thrown and racist abuse was shouted at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot earlier this week. Hampshire police said a minority of about 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.

  • There is no intelligence to suggest disorder similar to that in England in the wake of the Southport attack will occur in Scotland, police have said. Police Scotland has stepped up patrols across the country, the force said, in response to scenes south of the border, with crowds rioting on Friday night.

Updated

Updated

Merseyside police said officers have arrested 11 people over the Liverpool city centre disorder.

The force said more will follow once officers have trawled CCTV, bodycam and camera phone footage.

Updated

Many of the protesters in Bristol had dispersed by 10pm, leaving only about a dozen who congregated in a car park in Redcliff Street, opposite a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers.

A large police presence remained in the area.

Updated

The resurgence of far-right violence in the UK is in part due to Elon Musk’s decision to allow figures such as Tommy Robinson back on to the social media platform X, researchers say.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and those of his ilk are not leaders in the traditional sense and the far right has no central organisation capable of directing the disorder and violence that has been seen, experts say.

Jacob Davey, director of policy and research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), said: “People have been naming the EDL [English Defence League] as key figures when the EDL actually has ceased to function as a movement.”

The UK, like other parts of the world, now has “a much more decentralised extreme-right movement,” he said.

“There have been known figureheads at protests – including some avowed neo-Nazis – but there’s also this loose network that includes ­concerned local citizens and football hooligans.

Stand Up to Racism organised anti-fascist protests in Liverpool, Manchester, Stoke, Leicester, Nottingham, Leeds, Cardiff, Portsmouth and Bournemouth.

The group has more protests organised against the far-right on Sunday including in Sheffield, Birmingham, Bolton and Weymouth.

Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of Stand Up to Racism, said: “Our protests show that every time fascists take to our streets, we will mobilise against them. People like Tommy Robinson and his supporters want to spread racism, division and Islamophobia. Our protests unite black, white, Muslim, Jewish, LGBT+ people to stand against the far right threat. We have beaten them before and we will beat them again through unity and solidarity.”

Updated

The was further violence in Liverpool as youths began pelting police cars.

Officers had responded to information about a mob planning to close a mosque in the Walton area.

Merseyside police said: “We can confirm there is a significant police presence on County Road in Walton as a result of people being involved in serious violent disorder this evening.

“Officers were deployed to the area following information about a planned disorder close to a mosque.

“Shortly after 9pm, a number of people including youths began throwing objects at police vehicles.

“A wheelie bin was also set alight and extinguished by Merseyside fire and rescue service.

“A Section 60 order is in place across Liverpool this evening, until 8.40pm on Sunday, giving officers extra powers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning criminality.”

Updated

The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for public order, chief constable BJ Harrington, said: “In recent days we have seen criminals masquerading as protesters, causing senseless destruction.”

He said more disorder is likely in the coming days.

Harrington added: “This week we have seen appalling behaviour that in no way shows compassion or respect for the little girls who were killed and injured last week. It shows no respect for our communities, and it will be stopped.

“We know people will try and do this again in the coming days and policing has been and will continue to be ready.

“There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy.

“So if you’re planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple – we’ll be watching you. Anyone committing a criminal offence will be detained and brought before the courts.

“In recent days we have seen criminals masquerading as protesters, causing senseless destruction.

“These people are not protesters, they’re violent thugs – and many have already been arrested and charged.”

Updated

Police in Northern Ireland said a business has been set on fire in Belfast as disorder continues in the city after anti-immigration protests.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are dealing with ongoing disorder in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast tonight.

“This disorder has resulted in a business premises being set on fire.

“The public should avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas.”

Lancashire police said more than 20 people have been arrested today

Dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn, with a number of arrests made after some disruption.

Offences included possession of an offensive weapon, police assault, possession of a bladed article, obstructing police, conspiracy to commit violent disorder and failing to adhere to a dispersal order.

Assistant chief constable Phil Davies, of Lancashire police, said: “We have today made a significant number of arrests following tension in Blackpool and some minor disruption in parts of Preston and Blackburn.

“In Blackpool, we have witnessed some mindless thuggery from individuals, who we believe to be from outside of the county, intent on causing issues in our communities.

“We have also seen some small pockets of tension elsewhere in the county, but, thanks to a robust partnership response to our policing plan, this was swiftly dealt with.

“I would like to thank the good people of our communities for their support during today’s operation.

“Lancashire police will continue to respond robustly to anyone planning disorder.”

Updated

Rioters will “pay the price” for the wave of violent clashes that has spread across the UK, ministers warned on Saturday, after a day in which police battled rival groups of demonstrators in the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain for more than a decade, writes Robin McKie , James Tapper, Michael Savage and Olivia Lee.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said the police would have the government’s full support to take the strongest possible action. “Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain’s streets,” she said.

“Anyone who gets involved in criminal disorder and violent thuggery on our streets will have to pay the price and they should expect there to be arrests, prosecutions, penalties, and the full force of the law including imprisonment and travel bans. There are consequences for breaking the law.”

The widespread nature of the clashes poses the first major challenge to Keir Starmer’s new government, which is now facing demands to introduce emergency powers to stop further violence and to recall parliament.

In the protests that spread across the nation, bricks were hurled at police officers in Stoke-on-Trent, fireworks were thrown amid tense exchanges between an anti-Islamic group and an anti-racism rally in Belfast, and windows of a hotel which has been used to house migrants were smashed in Hull, where three police officers were injured and four people arrested. Several officers were also injured during “serious disorder” in Liverpool city centre, where bricks, bottles and a flare were thrown and one officer hit on the head with a chair. Greater Manchester police said a dispersal notice had been authorised for the city centre and scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other in Nottingham’s Old Market Square with bottles and other items thrown from both sides.

On the violent disorder in Liverpool, the city region mayor, Steve Rotheram, said: “Let’s call this out for what it is: mindless thuggery by people looking for an excuse to spew hatred and carry out acts of violence.

“Families and tourists chased through the streets. Children traumatised. And the very police who ran towards the scene in Southport now subjected to assault and abuse.

“It’s not on – especially while our region is still trying to come to terms with Monday’s tragic events.

“These scenes shame our city and those responsible deserve to feel the full weight of the law.”

Updated

Staffordshire police said 10 people, all male and aged between 52 and 15, had been arrested on suspicion of offences including assault, violent disorder and racial or religious threatening behaviour.

The force said two men at the centre of false online claims that they had been stabbed had actually been hurt when a blunt instrument was thrown in the air.

They are in hospital and police said their injuries were not serious.

Three police officers suffered minor injuries.

Updated

More arrests have been made as police investigations continue into violent disorder in north-east England earlier this week.

“Doors have been put in” by officers hunting suspects involved in clashes in Sunderland on Friday, Northumbria police said.

Warrants were carried out in the city centre and the Ford estate area, the force added.

Two people were arrested: a woman aged 43 on suspicion of violent disorder and a man aged 55 on suspicion of provoking violence.

It brings the total number arrested by the force in relation to Friday’s disorder to 12.

Ch Supt Mark Hall said: “Make no mistake, if you were involved last night expect to be met with the full force of the law.”

Meanwhile, nearly 20 people have been arrested over violent scenes in Hartlepool earlier this week, Cleveland police said.

Some have already been charged and appeared at court where several of them were further remanded in custody until early September.

Updated

In Bristol, protesters gathered at Castle Park following a campaign on social media with the tags “enough is enough” and “stop the boats”.

A counter protest organised by those opposed to the far-right was also taking place at the same time.

Both groups were on Victoria Street but divided by the Bristol Bridge and dozens of police officers in riot gear.

Mounted officers were also on duty, as were dog handlers.

A group later dispersed from the city centre and headed to the Mercure Bristol Hotel at Redcliff which has been used to house asylum seekers.

Merseyside police: two officers taken to hospital, six arrests made

Merseyside police said two officers have been taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw, following the disorder in the city centre.

Six people aged between 29 and 58 were arrested on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and criminal damage.

The force added a number of people set off fire extinguishers and threw various items including bricks and bottles at officers.

An officer on a police motorbike was pushed from his bike and assaulted.

A kiosk in Liverpool One and a phone shop in Church Street were damaged, broken into and looted.

Officers remain in the city centre to monitor the situation.

Assistant chief constable Jenny Sims, who led today’s policing operation, said: “The behaviour we have seen today in Liverpool city centre is completely unacceptable.

“What should have been a sunny Saturday on the historic waterfront to be enjoyed by people of all ages turned into an afternoon of unashamed disorder and violence, which potentially put decent members of the public, including children, at risk.

“We have heard reports of families having to run away from the area, some of whom had brought children to see the Disney Princess cruise ship docked nearby.

“This disorder, violence and destruction has no place here in Merseyside, least of all after the tragic events that took place in Southport on Monday.

“Our priority throughout has been the safety of the public, and officers have put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the wider community and I am incredibly proud of the bravery, resilience and professionalism they have displayed today.

“Those officers were met with shameful levels of violence and attempts at provocation by a number of those present.

“We can confirm two officers have been taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw.

“We have already arrested six people aged between 29 and 58 on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and criminal damage and that number will increase.”

Updated

In response to the anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday, Northern Ireland’s first minister Michelle O’Neill said Belfast is a “progressive and inclusive city”.

She wrote on social media: “Years of dedication and hard work from people across our community have transformed it for the better.

“Together, we will keep moving forward toward a brighter future for Belfast. A city that flourishes, free from hate and division.”

Alliance Party leader and justice minister Naomi Long said “those trashing our city and attacking businesses should be ashamed”.

She added: “They should also face the full legal consequences of their actions. Unlike those working to build businesses and a better future, these hatemongers offer nothing but division and destruction.”

Multiple arrests made during violent disorder in Bristol city centre

Avon and Somerset police said it has made multiple arrests while dealing with violent disorder in Bristol city centre.

Updated

The Rebellion punk music festival in Blackpool was disrupted by the far-right rioting earlier today.

Just before 6pm, the festival posted on Facebook: “The doors are being temporarily closed to protect all our guests and staff as a precaution due to altercations happening outside the venue.

“We are liaising with the Winter Gardens who are in close contact with the police and security will be briefed on the safest course of action over for the rest of the day.

“Please be patient if you’re asked to wait or if an entrance becomes an exit, or a door you’ve previously used is out of use. This will be for operational reasons. It’s a large building and there’s a lot of people, so the decisions will be made with everyones best interests at heart. This is an evolving situation and likely to change. Our priority is your safety and to continue running the full event.

“Your co-operation is appreciated today.”

Punks have been photographed clearing up the mess in the aftermath.

Updated

The MP for Blackpool South said he was “angered to see senseless violence and disorder on the streets” of the city this afternoon.

Chris Webb posted on X: “The people responsible are harming residents and damaging livelihoods. They are placing needless strain on the police and health service. People in Blackpool should be able to grieve peaceably.”

The Northern Ireland secretary has condemned the violence in Belfast earlier today.

Hilary Benn wrote on X: “Hatred has no place in our society. I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe.”

Updated

Police in Bristol are advising members of the public to avoid Castle Park and said it had a “significant presence” in the area this evening due to protests.

Updated

Updated

Police believe the majority of people at the so-called protests that turned into disorder and violence are from the extreme far right.

A police source with knowledge of the national picture told the Guardian the violence on Friday and Saturday was “more than expected, but not more than we prepared for”.

The violence is described as “sporadic” and no force was overwhelmed, the source said. A second force – Northumbria which covers Sunderland – is considering asking for reinforcements in case violence breaks out again there.

Going into this weekend every force had extra riot trained officers ordered to be on duty, even if no protests were scheduled in their local area.

Extra riot officers will continue to be deployed on stand by into Sunday. A decision will be taken, possibly as soon as in the next few hours, as to whether the extra officers trained in public order will continue into next week.

That would be a sign potentially that heightened tensions are feared to continue.

The source said what people were turning up to protest about was unclear, as was whether their driving intention was to cause violence: “They turn up to protest and quickly it escalates quickly to violence.”

The second force considering asking for reinforcements is Northumbria, whose officers were faced with disorder on Friday in Sunderland.

Violence in the city in north-eastern England ceased, but there are concerns it may restart.

Any mutual aid for Northumbria, if asked for, would come from neighbouring forces, and police chiefs continue to see no need for any sort of national mobilisation, such as that seen in 2011.

Updated

When a new prime minister crosses the threshold of Number 10, he or she receives briefings from the director general of MI5 and their counterpart at MI6 about the severity of known threats to security and order. So Sir Keir Starmer won’t have been oblivious to the menace posed by far-right extremists and their ability to mobilise thugs on to our streets to wreak havoc. Nor will he have been in the dark about the desire and capacity of hostile foreign states to stoke fear and foment division on our shores. What neither Sir Keir nor anyone else anticipated was an eruption of violence, across several towns and cities, within a month of his arrival at Downing Street. This is the first domestic emergency of his premiership, which makes it the first test of how he responds to challenges of this nature.

It is many years since we’ve seen such a widespread outbreak of far-right violence. In Southport, a seaside town in mourning after a murderous attack on a children’s dance party, hundreds of rioters descended to target a mosque, vandalise homes and businesses, and leave more than 50 police officers injured. In Hartlepool, officers were assailed with missiles and glass bottles, a mosque came under attack, and a police car was set alight, while in Sunderland this weekend several hundred rioters, some in balaclavas, reportedly set fire to a building. In London, there were more than 100 arrests when a far-right mob, chanting “we want our country back”, clashed with police at the gates of Downing Street and threw flares at the statue of Winston Churchill. What patriots these people are.

Here is more from the home secretary who said communities have a “right to feel safe” as she insisted the police have the government’s full support to take the “strongest possible action”.

People have already been charged over some of the unrest, she said.

Asked what ministers could do to help counter the violence, Cooper said: “The police need to lead operations in communities across the country where there has been both violent disorder and thuggery on the streets, which is completely unacceptable, completely damaging and where the police need to, they have our full support, taking the strongest possible action, making sure that these criminals face the full force of the law.

“And also already there are some of the suspects and perpetrators have already been arrested, already facing charges and are in custody, but we expect more of that to continue and we will support the police every step of the way. Communities have a right to be able to feel safe.”

Asked whether there had already been charges, she said: “There have already been arrests and charges but we know that that will continue and the police have our full backing, and I want everyone to be clear – anyone who gets involved in criminal disorder and violent thuggery on our streets will have to pay the price and they should expect there to be arrests, prosecutions penalties, and the full force of the law including imprisonment, travel bans, and more because it’s really important that communities can feel safe on the streets, and there are consequences for breaking the law.”

Updated

Roads in Liverpool have reopened after “serious disorder in the city centre”, Merseyside Police said.

Police in Northern Ireland said they are treating reports of criminal damage after an anti-immigration demonstration in Belfast as hate crimes.

Violence flared and businesses were attacked after the protest moved through the city.

When asked whether Parliament should be recalled over the disorder, as Tory former home secretary Priti Patel has insisted, Cooper responded said she had been “talking to MPs across the country” and “that work will continue”.

“I’ve already been talking to MPs across the country and making sure that they and their constituencies are also able to hear from the local police and to work with local communities.

“That work will continue, it’s really important that local representatives also local community leaders are involved working with the police.

“But the bottom line here is we cannot stand for this kind of thuggery or criminal disorder on our streets.”

The home secretary added those engaging in violent disorder “will pay the price”.

“Criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets,” she told broadcasters.

“We’ve been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price.”

Updated

Starmer: Police have “full support” to take action against “extremists” attacking officers

Keir Starmer said police have the government’s “full support” to take action against “extremists” attacking officers and attempting to “sow hate” as he held talks with ministers over the violence across parts of England.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said she would work with forces to help ensure “consequences, arrests and prosecutions” for those responsible.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “This afternoon the prime minister convened senior ministers including the deputy prime minister, home secretary, justice secretary and the policing minister to discuss the incidents of public disorder and unrest we have seen in towns and cities in recent days.

“The prime minister began by thanking the police who responded to the violence committed by a small minority of thugs in Sunderland last night which injured four officers. Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen today, the prime minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.

“The home secretary updated on the ongoing police response to outbreaks of disorder. She said we will work with them to ensure there are consequences, arrests and prosecutions for those responsible. The justice secretary added that already offenders who have committed violence over the last few days have been remanded in custody and the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible.

“The deputy prime minister said we are working with local authorities to ensure members of the community who have been targeted by thuggish extremists have the support they need.

“The prime minister ended by saying the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things. He said there is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.”

Updated

At least three people were led away in handcuffs as demonstrators faced counter-protesters in Nottingham.

Counter-protesters holding placards saying “violence not welcome” and “Nottingham against hate” chanted “free Palestine” and “Nazi scum off our streets” as protesters with flags played the national anthem on a loudspeaker.

Police separated the two groups in King Street as projectiles including cans, bottles, eggs and fruit were thrown, with some hitting officers.

Updated

In the midst of dealing with disorder in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire police issued a statement debunking claims that a stabbing had taken place.

“We can confirm this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media.

“We can confirm a man was injured after being hit by a blunt object that was thrown. His injuries are not thought to be serious and he has been taken to hospital for treatment,” the force said.

Four men were arrested over the incident.

Updated

The protest in Blackpool moved towards St John’s Square where people attending the Rebellion festival were gathered.

Skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and festivalgoers, with bottles and chairs being thrown and wood wielded.

In one clash, a man was knocked unconscious when he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground.

Another man drove his motorbike at the crowd before officers arrived.

Tracey Pook, community engagement officer at Didsbury mosque, said it has closed its doors on Saturday, cancelled classes and told women and children not to attend due to the threat of far-right protests in Manchester.

Pook, 52, said the mosque would only open for worshippers at the time of the five daily prayers.

Pook, who wears a headscarf, added: “I’m having to be a bit more vigilant. I’m still going about my daily life.”

The community engagement officer praised Greater Manchester police for the support officers have provided to the mosque but described tensions as high in the area.

“I’ve just never seen anything like this. It’s really saddened me. How is this honouring the death of those young girls? It isn’t. And those families are going through so much grief,” she added.

Updated

Far-right marches and anti-racist counter-demonstrations took place in several cities across the UK on Saturday, days after a knife attack in Southport led to further incidents in the town.

Mike Ainscough woke up on Tuesday morning to find a bunch of flowers leaning against the garden gate of his home in Southport.

“I saw it and I thought ‘It should be in water’, so I went to get a bucket,” the 82-year-old said. Soon there would be hundreds of bunches arrayed alongside his garden wall, with cuddly toys, sparkly balloons and handwritten messages to the children killed and injured at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Ainscough’s home sits on the edge of a police cordon closing off the street where the knife attack took place on Monday, and has become the site of an ever-growing impromptu memorial.

He is now its unofficial caretaker. As more flowers were brought by a steady stream of people on Thursday evening, Ainscough trimmed the stems, mixed water and packets of flower food in buckets donated by a local Sainsbury’s, and gently arranged the bouquets.

Every night, he takes the dozens of cuddly toys left by children into his home so they don’t get damp, and then sits them on a sun lounger and bench the following morning.

“I felt it was something I could do,” Ainscough said, as he worked through the new donations. “Hundreds of people have been coming here, and a lot of them are grieving. I’m standing in the house and seeing grown adults weeping. I had one man who said to me: ‘I’ve got grandchildren, how am I going to explain this to them?’”

Three police officers injured during disorder in Hull

Three police officers have been injured and four people arrested amid disorder in Hull city centre.

Humberside police said that “at this stage, three officers are believed to have suffered injuries” after a group of people targeted a hotel which houses asylum seekers.

Ch supt Darren Wildbore said: “We currently have a high policing presence whilst officers respond to disorder that is taking place in the area of Ferensway following a protest that began this afternoon.

“Our officers have faced eggs and bottles being thrown and have made four arrests relating to public order offences. We have also issued a dispersal order for the area and there will remain a visible police presence as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those in the community.

“I can confirm that we have not deployed teargas contrary to speculation in the media.

“I continue to advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time.”

Updated

Officers injured dealing with 'serious disorder in Liverpool city centre'

Merseyside police said it is dealing with a number of people engaged in serious disorder in Liverpool city centre and a number of officers have been injured.

Section 34 and Section 60 orders are both in place in Liverpool.

Section 60 gives police “enhanced powers to stop and search individuals and is designed to prevent serious violence”.

Section 34 gives officers the power to “seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour”.

Updated

Police have denied claims that the organiser of a march in Middlesborough on Sunday had been arrested on terrorism charges.

They said a 29-year-old man was arrested on Friday over firearms offences.

English Defence League founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, had posted on Friday: “Lad who organised Middlesbrough march been locked up on terroism charges.”

Cleveland police said in a statement: “We are aware of misinformation being shared on social media relating to a planned event in Middlesbrough tomorrow.

“Cleveland police has not arrested anyone in connection with terrorism offences.

“A 29-year-old Middlesbrough man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

“He remains in police custody being questioned and inquiries continue.”

Updated

Fireworks have been thrown in Belfast as anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters confronted each other outside City Hall in the heart of the city.

Police Service of Northern Ireland officers in riot gear and Land Rovers have been deployed to separate the two sides as they shouted chants and insults at each other.

One woman was injured when a firework exploded next to her.

It’s understood that at least one arrest has been made.

Far-right protesters then left Belfast City Hall and moved towards the Botanic area in the south of the city where there are a number of mosques.

A large police cordon was in place in all roads around the city’s Islamic centre and some streets have been closed.

On Friday, church leaders in Northern Ireland had said they were “appalled” by calls for anti-Islamic protests this weekend.

Updated

Bottles, cans and sausages were thrown towards counter-protesters in Nottingham as two opposing groups faced each other in King Street.

Counter-protesters chanted “free Palestine” as those opposite them waved St George flags.

More police arrived to separate the two groups and officers were told to turn on their bodycams.

Bricks were thrown at a group of police officers from all directions at Mann Island in Liverpool.

A masked youth threw a brick at the back of a police officer as she held her riot shield in the other direction.

A scooter was also thrown.

One man collapsed to the floor after being punched.

Officers moved to surround him as he lay on the floor and his head was bandaged.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly believes the prime minister and home secretary need to “do more” to restore public order and “send a clear message to the thugs”.

The Tory leadership contender said in a statement on Saturday: “In opposition Labour voted against public order measures we brought forward to give our police more powers to keep our streets clear, calm and safe, and Keir Starmer taking the knee sent completely the wrong message. There is never a justification for disorder like this.

“Now they are in Government Labour need to clamp down immediately on the violence that we have seen across the country and send a clear message to the thugs that they will be met with the full strength of the law.

“The public expects the Government to restore order. The prime minister and home secretary must do more to demonstrate that they are gripping this situation.
“They should be giving regular updates alongside the police so potential rioters know that they won’t get away with this and they must haul the tech companies in to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of disinformation fuelling these events.”

Summary of the day so far

It has gone 4pm. Here is a summary of the day so far:

  • Far-right rallies and counter-protests took place across several cities in England and in Northern Ireland on Saturday. Groups faced-off in Belfast, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Hull and Stoke-on-Trent. More violent disorder is expected, with extra prosecutors called in to work the weekend and police forces around the UK braced.

  • A dispersal notice was authorised across Manchester city centre in order to assist police in dealing with protests, Greater Manchester police said on Saturday.

  • Ten people were arrested in Sunderland for offences including violent disorder and burglary after another night of rioting and disorder in parts of the UK. Northumbria police Ch Supt Mark Hall said four of the force’s officers were also injured on Friday. During a press conference on Saturday, Hall warned that those involved in the Sunderland violence should “expect to be met with the full force of the law”.

  • Ministers are expected to hold a group call to discuss public order after the scenes of violence in Sunderland and other locations. It is understood that the call will take place on Saturday

  • “Criminals attacking the police and stoking disorder on our streets will pay the price for their violence and thuggery,” said the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, commenting on last night’s disorder.

  • Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he was “appalled” by disorder in the city centre, which included a police station and a Citizens Advice office being set on fire, as well as a parked car. Some shops were looted. Many people turned out on Saturday morning to help with clean-up efforts.

  • Former home secretary, Priti Patel criticised the government’s reponse to the violent disorder that has taken place after Monday’s Southport attack, and said that that parliament “must be recalled immediately”.

  • “Mindless violence” by a “minority with an agenda of hate” was on display on Friday night, the deputy leader of Sunderland city council said. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kelly Chequer said: “What we saw was totally unacceptable.”

  • “Violence, looting and vandalism – all of this is not protesting, it’s criminal behaviour,” Northumbria police and crime commissioner Susan Dungworth said on Saturday. She described Friday night’s violent disorder as “inexcusable criminality that targeted Sunderland and its communities”.

  • Counter-protests took place in Bradford and Liverpool on Friday evening, said the campaign group, Stand Up to Racism.

  • Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Christian leaders were among those calling for calm at any demonstrations this weekend, amid warnings of potential escalation of violent disorder.

  • “Law and order” isn’t going to be enough to tackle the “undercurrent of Islamophobic hate [and] anti-immigrant hate” of the violent disorder that has spread after the Southport attack, said the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

  • Shadow home secretary James Cleverly shared a post on his X account, saying “we cannot let rioting thugs and extremists win”. He urged the government to “back our police to do what is necessary to maintain law and order and stop any further escalation”.

  • Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick condemned “far-right” organising of riots across the country and said “if there is a case” for proscribing the EDL it should be “considered.” Jenrick criticised Nigel Farage’s remarks about the Southport stabbings, saying they did not “make the situation better”.

  • Two men have been arrested after objects were thrown and racist abuse was shouted at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot earlier this week. Hampshire police said a minority of about 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.

  • There is no intelligence to suggest disorder similar to that in England in the wake of the Southport attack will occur in Scotland, police have said. Police Scotland has stepped up patrols across the country, the force said, in response to scenes south of the border, with crowds rioting on Friday night.

Updated

The windscreen of a police van was smashed as bricks and plastic barriers were thrown in Liverpool. Bricks were pelted at the vans and officers by youths with their faces covered.

Riot officers then ran at the group to move them back, before backing away as more bricks were thrown, reports the PA news agency.

A chair thrown by demonstrators has hit an officer on the head in Liverpool, reports the PA news agency.

Bricks, bottles and a flare were also thrown at officers as they lined the road on The Strand.

Far-right chants drowned out by boos from counter-protesters in Nottingham

A group holding St George’s and union flags in Nottingham’s Market Square have been met with counter-protesters chanting “racist scum off our streets” and “Nazis not welcome”.

The PA news agency reports that scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other on King Street at about 3pm, with bottles and other items thrown from both sides.

Chants of “England until I die” and “Tommy Robinson” were drowned out by boos from the counter-protesters.

Updated

Police separated groups of demonstrators outside the Cunard building on The Strand in Liverpool.

Anti-fascist protesters sang: “Where’s your Tommy gone?”

According to the PA news agency, at one point a group of men with masks and hoods up appeared to try to charge police officers who stood with batons. Officers with riot shields and helmets moved the crowd back and cans, bottles and coins were thrown.

Police with dogs also moved in to separate the groups.

Windows smashed at hotel in Hull, says BBC reporter

Windows have been smashed at a hotel in Hull that has been used to house asylum seekers, reports the BBC.

Leanne Brown, reporting from Hull for the broadcaster, said:

In Hull, protesters gathered outside a hotel which has been used to house asylum seekers. We’ve seen the crowd throwing concrete bricks and smashing windows with glass bottles, shouting ‘get them out’.”

Updated

The Observer’s Carole Cadwalladr has delved into how social media has created a “perfect storm” for the UK’s far-right riots. Here is an excerpt:

“It feels like it was only a matter of time before we saw something like this in the UK,” said Julia Ebner, the leader of the Violent Extremism Lab at the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion at Oxford University. “This alternative information ecoystem is fuelling these narratives. We saw it in Germany in the 2018 Chemnitz riots, which this strongly reminded me of. And we saw [it] in the US with the January 6 insurrection.”

“You see this chain reaction in these alternative news channels, where disinformation can spread so quickly and can mobilise people to take the streets – who are then prone to using violence because there’s this anger and these really deep emotions that are, of course, being amplified. And then, from these alternative outlets, it’s carried on to X or on to the mainstream social media platforms.”

This “alternative information ecosystem” – which includes Telegram, Bitchute, Parler and Gab – flows often invisibly beneath the mainstream media or even social media landscape. It has proved to be a breeding ground for far-right, conspiracy and extremist ideologies that this week collided and mobilised people on to the streets.

“Politicians have to stop saying ‘the real world’ as opposed to the ‘online world’,” Maria Ressa said. “How many times do we have to say it? It’s the same thing.”

You can read the full news feature here:

Ministers expected to hold group call to discuss public order - report

Ministers are expected to hold a group call to discuss public order after the scenes of violence in Sunderland and other locations.

It is understood that the call will take place on Saturday, reports the PA news agency.

Bricks reportedly thrown at police officers in Stoke-on-Trent

Police in Stoke-on-Trent said they were aware of “pockets of disorder” and bricks were reportedly thrown at officers in the city, reports the PA news agency.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph reported on Saturday afternoon:

Footage appeared to show far-right agitators pelting stones and fireworks in the direction of police and counter-protesters in Stoke.

A crowd of around 30 people, mostly men, were seen in a standoff with what appeared to be counter-protesters. The two groups were separated by around 20 yards, with a police van in between.

Some of the far-right group gesticulated in a threatening manner while others hurled missiles at the counter protesters.

Police separate groups of demonstrators in Liverpool

A line of police moved in to separate groups of demonstrators who met at the Pier Head in Liverpool.

A crowd, some with union flags, who had gathered outside the Mersey ferry terminal shouting “stop the boats” were greeted by anti-fascist protesters who marched from a rally at Saint George’s Hall.

Chants of “Tommy Robinson” were greeted by shouts of “Nazi scum, off our streets”. Some cans were thrown from one group towards the other, reports the PA news agency.

Updated

A large anti-immigration group has gathered in south Belfast, reports the PA news agency.

Police have sealed off a number of roads close to Queen’s University Belfast. A number of bottles and missiles have been thrown.

In Leeds, one of the groups left their pen en masse just before 1.30pm and marched through the city centre, reports the PA news agency.

About 200 people walked past Saturday shoppers chanting “stop the boats” and other slogans as they made their way through the Trinity Leeds shopping centre and up Briggate.

A line of police officers eventually arrived in vans near the Corn Exchange and walked in front of the group, some of whom were wearing masks.

When the march arrived back at the much larger counter-demonstration, large numbers of police placed themselves in front of the marchers, prompting some minor pushing, shoving and screaming at the officers from the marchers, reports the PA news agency.

The noisy standoff then continued outside the central library and art gallery, with about 50 police between the two groups.

All the far-right rallies and counter-protests reported so far today

The Sunderland protest on Friday evening was among several planned across the UK this weekend after the knife attack in Southport on Monday, fuelled by misinformation on social media about the background and religion of the 17-year-old suspect.

Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate said up to 35 protests were due to take place across the UK this weekend “under a broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim and anti-government agenda”.

Here is a list of the far right rallies and counter-protests reported so far today:

Belfast

Hundreds of people gathered at the front of Belfast city hall for an anti-racism rally on Saturday shortly before noon. The event was organised in response to social media calls for anti-Islamic protests to be staged in Northern Ireland.

Police vehicles formed a barrier between the anti-racism protest and a small anti-Islamic group who had gathered on the other side of the road. The two groups were exchanging insults and a small number of fireworks and other missiles were thrown.

Police Land Rovers and officers in riot gear were reported to be separating the two groups. Officers were also seen arresting one man, who was taken away in a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) car. A number of roads into Belfast have been closed “due to ongoing protest activity”, police said.

Leeds

Two groups began hurling insults at each in the centre of Leeds just before 1pm and were being kept about 20 metres apart by barriers, with about 20 police officers between.

About 150 people carrying St George’s flags shouted “you’re not English any more” and “paedo Muslims off our street” outside the city’s central library and art gallery. But, they were greatly outnumbered by hundreds of counter-protesters shouting “Nazi scum off our streets”. Many of this group were waving Palestinian flags in the sunshine and chanting “there are many, many more of us than you”.

Just before 1.30pm, one of the groups left their pen en masse and about 200 people walked past Saturday shoppers chanting “stop the boats” and other slogans. A line of police officers eventually arrived in vans near the Corn Exchange and walked in front of the group, some of whom were wearing masks.

When the march arrived back at the much larger counter-demonstration, large numbers of police placed themselves in front of the marchers, prompting some minor pushing, shoving and screaming at the officers from the marchers.

The noisy standoff then continued outside the central library and art gallery, with about 50 police between the two groups.

Manchester

A dispersal notice was authorised across Manchester city centre in order to assist police in dealing with protests, Greater Manchester police said.

At about 11am, anti-racism protesters were reported to be outnumbering those who had turned up for an “Enough is Enough” demonstration. Chris Slater, a reporter from the Manchester Evening News, said an estimated 150 people were taking part in the latter event, while about 350 people had turned out for a “Stop the Far Right” counter-protest.

Nottingham

A group holding St George’s and union flags in Nottingham’s Market Square were met with counter-protesters chanting “racist scum off our streets” and “Nazis not welcome”.

Scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other on King Street at about 3pm, with bottles and other items thrown from both sides. Chants of “England until I die” and “Tommy Robinson” were drowned out by boos from the counter-protesters.

Stoke-on-Trent

Police in Stoke-on-Trent said they were aware of “pockets of disorder” and bricks were reportedly thrown at officers in the city.

The Telegraph reported on Saturday afternoon:

Footage appeared to show far-right agitators pelting stones and fireworks in the direction of police and counter-protesters in Stoke.

A crowd of around 30 people, mostly men, were seen in a standoff with what appeared to be counter-protesters. The two groups were separated by around 20 yards, with a police van in between.

Hull

Windows were smashed at a hotel in Hull that was used to house asylum seekers, reports the BBC.

Leanne Brown, reporting from Hull for the broadcaster, said:

In Hull, protesters gathered outside a hotel which has been used to house asylum seekers. We’ve seen the crowd throwing concrete bricks and smashing windows with glass bottles, shouting ‘get them out’.”

Liverpool

Police separated groups of demonstrators outside the Cunard building on The Strand in Liverpool.

Anti-fascist protesters sang: “Where’s your Tommy gone?” At one point a group of men with masks and hoods up appeared to try to charge police officers who stood with batons. Officers with riot shields and helmets moved the crowd back and cans, bottles and coins were thrown. Police with dogs also moved in to separate the groups.

The windscreen of a police van was smashed as bricks and plastic barriers were thrown in Liverpool. Bricks were pelted at the vans and officers by youths with their faces covered. A chair thrown by demonstrators hit an officer on the head.

Updated

Number of roads into Belfast closed 'due to ongoing protest activity', say police

A number of roads into Belfast have been closed “due to ongoing protest activity”, police said.

The PA news agency reports that a standoff between anti-racism protesters and the far right became heated and police moved in to separate them.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is “aware of several planned protests across Northern Ireland today and will be in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved”.

A priest at Sunderland minster said those who tried to smash a gravestone to use as missiles during widespread disorder in the city were guilty of “an act of sacrilege”.

The Rev Jacqui Tyson said a colleague reported seeing youths were in the graveyard of the minster, which was close to where a car was overturned and set on fire, and where police were attacked with fire extinguishers.

She said:

They were trying to break up one of the graves in the minster. My colleague and his friend saw them and chased them off. They then locked the gates so no one else could access the graveyard.

It’s an act of sacrilege to disturb someone’s gravestone. It’s also remarkably lacking in common sense – have you tried to pick up a gravestone?”

Tyson said the community had come together for the clean-up operation, with local Imams and other clergy involved on Saturday morning.

She said there will be a prayer vigil later on Saturday and a peace walk through the city on Sunday afternoon. Tyson added:

There is a lot of shock and anger, so hundreds of people came together to clean up the city.

Everybody involved was not just cleaning up, but also talking to each other and expressing good faith and belief in Sunderland, and the fact that racism will not win.”

A Sunderland AFC football fan who saw the aftermath of the disorder on Friday night said the clean-up efforts have “outweighed last night’s deplorable events”.

Aeiron Evans, 20, took part in the clean-up efforts on Saturday morning and said he was “sickened” to see those who took part in the unrest wearing Sunderland football shirts.

“What really sickened me last night was seeing people in my club’s shirt wearing balaclavas and hiding faces, using public disarray to commit crime,” Evans told the PA news agency.

He said:

The club is the heart of the city, as it’s understandably the only thing some people have. It’s a way of life; seeing people show up in Sunderland shirts this morning was amazing. We showed that there are – although unfortunately – two sides of our beautiful city.”

Evans said he wore his “favourite retro 1997 Sunderland away shirt” in Keel Square, where he saw smashed windows and areas cordoned off by police, but described the city as “immaculate” after the clean-up.

“I can’t say I’m surprised by the togetherness of the people. It’s everyone’s home and the people causing havoc last night don’t represent us. They are the minority. I genuinely think the actions of the good people of our city this morning have outweighed last night’s deplorable events,” he said.

Counter-protesters and far right gather in Leeds

Two groups began hurling insults at each in the centre of Leeds just before 1pm, reports the PA news agency.

About 150 people carrying St George’s flags shouted “you’re not English any more” and “paedo Muslims off our street” outside the city’s central library and art gallery.

But, according to the news agency report, they were greatly outnumbered by hundreds of counter-protesters shouting “Nazi scum off our streets”. Many of this group were waving Palestinian flags in the sunshine and chanting “there are many, many more of us than you”.

The two groups were kept about 20 metres apart by barriers with about 20 police officers between.

Updated

Two men have been arrested after objects were thrown and racist abuse was shouted at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot earlier this week.

Hampshire police said a minority of about 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.

On Saturday, it said a 32-year-old man from Farnborough and a 60-year-old man from Farnham had both been arrested on suspicion of affray and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred.

Updated

No intelligence to suggest disorder planned for Scotland, say police

There is no intelligence to suggest disorder similar to that in England in the wake of the Southport attack will occur in Scotland, police have said.

Police Scotland has stepped up patrols across the country, the force said, in response to scenes in England, with crowds rioting on Friday night, burning a police station and attacking a mosque in Sunderland.

Assistant chief constable Catriona Paton said:

We understand that these recent events may cause concern, that is why we have focused our efforts on increasing policing visibility and engagement across the country as our primary commitment remains the safety and wellbeing of all our communities and our officers, and in building trust and confidence.

We continue to closely monitor the events in England. Police Scotland is dedicated to upholding human rights and will not tolerate violence or discrimination against any group.

We wish to thank the Scottish people for their support and while we believe there is no cause for alarm, we encourage anyone with concerns or information to report them to us.”

It is not clear if a protest will happen in Scotland this weekend, but a “pro-UK rally” is scheduled for 7 September, an event promoted on social media by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon.

Updated

A confrontation between anti-immigration and anti-racism demonstrations is continuing in Belfast city centre.

The two groups were exchanging insults and a small number of fireworks and other missiles have been thrown.

Police Land Rovers and officers in riot gear were separating the two groups. Officers were seen arresting one man, who was taken away in a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) car.

Updated

Riot police have been deployed as more disorder has spread across Britain, after a night of “unforgivable” violence in Sunderland.

The far right has drawn condemnation from MPs across the political spectrum after disorder in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool over the past three days.

There was further violence in Sunderland on Friday, where a police station was set alight and photos on social media showed a blackened Citizens Advice bureau office.

The riots came after the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Merseyside on Monday.

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, is accused of the attack, but false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.

Greater Manchester police said a dispersal notice had been authorised for the city centre to deal with planned demonstrations on Saturday.

Officers also mounted a significant security operation in Belfast city centre, after a small group gathered at the front of city hall, chanting “Islam Out”.

Police in riot gear were deployed in the Northern Ireland capital as a small number of fireworks were thrown amid tense exchanges between the group and an anti-racism rally.

Sunderland central Labour MP Lewis Atkinson said a link could be drawn between the disorder in his constituency on Friday and the ashes of the English Defence League (EDL), which was founded by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon.

Updated

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Land Rovers and officers in riot gear have been deployed in Belfast city centre.

The PA news agency reports that police vehicles formed a barrier between an anti-racism protest and anti-Islamic group who have gathered on the other side of the road.

A small number of fireworks have been thrown amid tense exchanges.

Updated

Here is a video posted on X by a protester at the anti-racism rally at Belfast city hall today.

A small group, shouting anti-Islamic chants, have gathered at the front of Belfast city hall in Belfast, reports the PA news agency.

The group chanted “Islam out” and unfurled union flags while an anti-racism rally took place across the road.

Police are mounting a significant security operation in the city centre, according to the PA news agency.

Updated

'Looting and vandalism is not protesting,' says police and crime commissioner

Northumbria police and crime commissioner Susan Dungworth also spoke during the press conference just now in Sunderland. Dungworth condemned the “inexcusable criminality that targeted Sunderland and its communities”.

She said:

Violence, looting and vandalism – all of this is not protesting, it’s criminal behaviour. It is also not mourning the loss of those innocent children in Southport, with whom our thoughts should be.

The families of those victims have not been given a second thought by these thugs. They’ve been used, sickeningly, to promote the extreme agenda of those who want to cause trouble and division in our communities.

This isn’t about taking ‘our communities back’ or ‘our country back’ as the protesters claim. Their violent, hatred-fuelled behaviours only bring our country down.”

Updated

Northumbria police Ch Supt Mark Hall said police became aware of the potential for a protest earlier this week and planned for disorder given the unrest across England.

“Our operation will continue over the weekend and into next week,” he said.

Asked whether there was the potential for more unrest, the officer said police were monitoring the intelligence and “where that indicates there will be further protest activity, we will ensure there is a proportionate police presence as well”.

To those considering travelling to Sunderland to cause disorder, he said:

Do not bother. We will find you, we will take action.”

He added:

Clearly completely unacceptable behaviour … 10 people already arrested, we have officers out now making further arrests for those identified and that will continue in the coming days as well.”

“Mindless violence” by a “minority with an agenda of hate” was on display on Friday night, the deputy leader of Sunderland city council has said.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Kelly Chequer said:

What we saw was totally unacceptable.

We know that, sadly, many of those in our city last night were not from here, but came to cause chaos and stoke tensions, and I want to make clear that there is no place for these people.

They are not welcome here.”

Chequer added:

What we saw last night was nothing more than mindless violence and disorder led by a tiny minority with an agenda of hate.”

10 people arrested during Friday's violent disorder in Sunderland, say police

Northumbria police Ch Supt Mark Hall said 10 people so far have been arrested for violent disorder and burglarly as a result of last night’s riots in Sunderland.

During the press conference on Saturday Hall warned that those involved in Friday’s violence should “expect to be met with the full force of the law”.

Hall said a full investigation is now under way to identify those responsible.

“Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law,” he said.

He condemned the “attempt to drive division amongst us” and said “we are committed to make sure that doesn’t happen”.

Hall described the violent protests in Sunderland on Friday as “unforgivable”. He said:

The shocking scenes we witnessed in Sunderland last night were appalling and completely unacceptable.

During the course of the evening, our officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence.

This was not a protest – this was unforgivable violence and disorder.”

Updated

Hundreds gather at Belfast city hall for anti-racism rally

Hundreds of people have gathered at the front of Belfast city hall for an anti-racism rally, reports the PA news agency.

The event has been organised in response to social media calls for anti-Islamic protests to be staged in Northern Ireland.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) previously said it was aware of social media posts calling for protests including “specific calls to block roads using women and children”.

Chief constable Jon Boutcher said anti-Islamic protests would be “policed effectively” if they do materialise. A number of Christian church leaders in Northern Ireland also released statements condemning calls for protests.

Updated

Four officers injured in Sunderland last night, police say

Northumbria police Ch Supt Mark Hall said four of the force’s officers were injured during violent protests in Sunderland on Friday evening.

He said:

I can confirm that four officers were taken to hospital for treatment last night. Three received injuries as a direct result of the disorder.

In addition, one of our mounted riders sustained serious injuries in an accident and is receiving treatment in hospital.”

Updated

A Sunderland resident who took part in clean-up efforts has said he is “ashamed and “embarrassed” after disorder broke out in his home city on Friday.

Brett Redmayne, 43, saw the aftermath of the riots on Saturday morning after a police station was set alight and photos on social media show a blackened Citizens Advice bureau office which appears to have caught fire.

Redmayne told the PA news agency:

The atmosphere around the city with the hundreds that showed up was one of support and unity.

These people who rioted don’t speak for Sunderland and we are ashamed and embarrassed. This morning, though, we all wanted to show support and help clean the city.”

He added the people of Sunderland were efficient at clearing any “broken glass” and “smashed windows” that scattered the streets, but also praised Sunderland city council for its help in the clean-up efforts.

Redmayne said:

Apart from broken glass, the burnt-out building and car, the council and local people have cleaned everything off very fast. I saw smashed windows and glass, but the council had worked hard as well through the night to clean a lot up, credit has to go to Sunderland council.”

The press conference in Sunderland has begun. You can watch it live via this video stream:

Buildings across England were lit up in pink on Friday evening in tribute to the three young girls killed in the Southport attack.

Three girls – six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar – were unable to survive the injuries sustained in the attack at a dance studio in Southport. Eight other children were attacked, with five left in a critical condition. Of those, on Thursday five were stable in hospital and two had been discharged.

Downing Street was lit up in pink on Friday evening, as was Liverpool town hall, the Atkinson arts venue in Southport, St George’s hall, the Cunard building in Liverpool, the Mersey Gateway bridge and Chester town hall. A number of hospitals in the north-west also took part in the rememberance.

Updated

Dispersal notice authorised across Manchester city centre, say police

A dispersal notice has been authorised across Manchester city centre in order to assist police in dealing with protests, Greater Manchester police have said.

The section 34 notice will mean officers have powers to seize any item used in the commission of antisocial behaviour until 7pm on Saturday.

Ch Insp Natasha Evans said:

These powers have been authorised to make sure we can continue to provide and facilitate the right to any peaceful protests that have been organised.

Our officers will be able to instruct and advise anyone who is causing or very likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area immediately.

People have a legal right to participate in peaceful protest, however where people are intent on breaking the law, we will take action.”

Updated

Here are some of the latest images from Manchester, via the newswires:

Updated

Far right face off with anti-racism campaigners in Manchester

In Manchester, anti-racism protesters are reported to be outnumbering those who have turned up for an “Enough is Enough” demonstration.

Chris Slater, a reporter from the Manchester Evening News, said an estimated 150 people were taking part in the latter event, while about 350 people had turned out for a “Stop the Far Right” counter-protest.

Campaign group, Stand Up to Racism, shared an update on X, saying the “they’re [the far right] outnumbered by 300 antifascists”.

Updated

Citizens Advice office set on fire last night, reports ITV News journalist

A Citizens Advice office in Sunderland was set on fire in the violent disorder last night, reports an ITV News journalist.

Jonny Blair shared an image of the burnt out premises and said its manager is “devastated”.

Blair also has shared a series of pictures on his X account that show this morning’s clean up in the city.

Updated

According to the PA news agency, there will be a press conference in Sunderland in just over an hour.

Northumbria police Ch Supt Mark Hall, Northumbria police and crime commissioner Susan Dungworth, Sunderland city council deputy leader councillor Kelly Chequer and north-east mayor Kim McGuinness will all read out a short statement each before answering a few questions at Sunderland city hall from 11.30am. We will bring updates from that as we get them.

My colleagues, Josh Halliday and Robyn Vinter, have written about Southport picking up the pieces after week of horror. Here is an excerpt:

Days later, Southport remains in a state of trauma. Many in the seaside town are struggling to come to terms not only with the barbarity of Monday’s attack, which left three young girls dead and several others in critical care, but also how its grief was so violently infringed upon only a day later.

“There is a sense of horror and disbelief,” said the Rev Marie-Anne Kent, whose church, St Philip and St Paul with Wesley, is around the corner from the Hart Space, the yoga studio where the holiday club attacks took place.

Kent, a Methodist minister, was speaking to the Guardian on the frontline of Tuesday’s riot, wearing her clerical collar, when a masked man shouted in her face: “Don’t let Muslims in. They need to fuck off out of our country.”

Horrified and shaken, she said: “I came down to pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters. This is appalling. This isn’t Southport. This isn’t Southport.”

Speaking on Friday, after the violence had spread to other towns and cities across England, with further far-right rallies planned at the weekend, Kent said Southport was “holding our breath, waiting for what’s going to happen next”.

“The events of Monday were horrific. No community should have to go through that, and for that to be compounded by a hate crime …” she said, at a loss for words.

You can read the full piece here:

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has shared a post on his X account, saying “we cannot let rioting thugs and extremists win”.

He urged the government to “back our police to do what is necessary to maintain law and order and stop any further escalation”.

Counter-protests took place in Bradford and Liverpool last night, say campaign group

Campaign group Stand Up to Racism have shared images of counter-protests that took place in Bradford and Liverpool on Friday.

Stand Up to Racism have also encouraged people to join further counter-protests this weekend at locations across England and Wales:

Last night the far right rioted in Sunderland. Today and tomorrow join protests in your area to stand against the fascists. From Lancaster to Weymouth we’ve got protests across the country to stop the far right and say refugees are welcome here.”

Updated

“Far-right racists” who brought violent disorder to the streets of Sunderland will not be allowed to win, the city’s MP has said as residents gather to help clean up.

About 500 people, including parents and their children, gathered ad hoc in the city centre on Friday evening, responding to far-right social media posts to turn up and demonstrate.

It quickly descended into violence, with masked boys and men throwing missiles, including bricks, stones, beer barrels and scaffolding poles, at riot police.

Eight people were arrested and three police officers were taken to hospital for treatment. A parked car and a neighbourhood police building were set alight and some shops were looted.

Lewis Atkinson, the Labour MP for Sunderland Central, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he felt “really sad” for the city.

“Sunderland has got such a bright future, and around what was essentially violent thuggery and rioting last night are such green shoots for the future,” he said on Saturday.

“I can’t stress enough, the fact that some far-right racists … decided to turn up in Sunderland does not at all represent our city.”

“Law and order” isn’t going to be enough to tackle the “undercurrent of Islamophobic hate [and] anti-immigrant hate” of the violent disorder that has spread across the country after the Southport attack, said the secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain.

In an interview with LBC about Tuesday night’s unrest in Southport, Zara Mohammed said:

I think what’s really important is dispelling the misunderstandings and myths around what are you really afraid of, what is this doing to your society.

It’s been very distressing. I think people have been really really upset and really worried and also terrified about what they saw at Southport.

You know the fact that this was a fake news story and … was so quickly vilified to an extent that these mobs and thugs were coming out to target a mosque, and now we’ve heard lots across social media of more planned attacks. It’s really so coordinated. I think people have been really really upset.

There seems to be this really strong undercurrent of Islamophobic hate, anti-immigrant hate and that’s really boiling up … and the law and order approach isn’t going to tackle that.”

She added:

We are part of a wonderfully diverse Britain and that works because all of us are working together and this constant demonisation and choosing the framing around mosques isn’t actually true.

They’re you’re neighbours, they’re your friends.”

Updated

Civil liberties campaigners have said that a proposal made by Keir Starmer on Thursday to expand the use of live facial recognition technology would amount to the effective introduction of a national ID card system based on people’s faces.

Silkie Carlo, the director of Big Brother Watch, said it was ironic the new prime minister was suggesting a greater use of facial matching on the same day that an EU-wide law largely banning real-time surveillance technology came into force.

“Expanding live facial recognition means millions of innocent Britons being subjected to automated ID checks,” said Carlo. “These are the surveillance tactics of China and Russia and Starmer seems ignorant of the civil liberties implications.”

Live facial recognition has, until now, largely been used in the UK by the Metropolitan police and south Wales police, as a real-time aid to help officers to detect and prevent crime, including at public events such as last year’s coronation. It is capable of scanning more than 100 faces a minute for identification.

But on Thursday, Starmer suggested that it should be deployed more widely, in response to the violent disorder around the country after the stabbing and murder of three girls in Southport, Lancashire.

Promising to create a national police capability to tackle the rioting, the new prime minister said forces needed to work better together, sharing intelligence and engaging in a “wider deployment of facial recognition technology”.

You can read the full piece here:

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick has condemned “far-right” organising of riots across the country and said “if there is a case” for proscribing the EDL it should be “considered.”

He said the violence across the country must be “condemned unequivocally across the political spectrum”.

Asked by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme whether he would also condemn the far-right organising as part of the disorder, Jenrick said:

Yes, absolutely. That there are elements of the far right apparently involved in these protests – we need to ensure that the police have all the support that they need.”

Repeatedly pressed on whether the EDL should be proscribed given former supporters appeared to be involved in the violence, he said:

If it meets the threshold for proscription, which is a high mark, then it definitely needs to be considered.”

Jenrick said he did not regret the rhetoric used by him and his party over immigration.

Asked whether he regretted using the slogan “stop the boats” and similar language, the former Home Office minster said:

No absolutely not. I think you’re looking at this in completely the wrong way.”

He added:

There are concerns amongst millions of people in our country – legitimate concerns – about mass migration, about illegal migration. You do not channel those concerns through violence obviously.

But neither should we as politicians or indeed you as the media brush those concerns under the carpet, because that only makes the problem worse.”

It was put to him that the Tory government he served in oversaw a record-breaking high in net migration, to which he replied:

I was the minister who argued consistently to reduce the number of people coming here illegally.”

Priti Patel criticises government's reponse to disorder and says parliament 'must be recalled immediately'

Former home secretary, Priti Patel has criticised the government’s reponse to the violent disorder that taken place across the country after Monday’s Southport attack, and said that that parliament “must be recalled immediately”.

In a post on X, the Conservative MP, wrote:

The events we have witnessed overnight in Sunderland were totally unacceptable. As they were in Southport earlier this week and in Harehills in Leeds a fortnight ago.

We should never excuse, or be apologists for, disorder whoever is responsible. Violence and thuggery is always unacceptable. There is no qualification or exception. And politicians on all sides must be willing to stand up and say so.

Saying the nation is “braced for disorder” is not only breathtakingly complacent, but both troubling and inadequate. The government is now in danger of appearing to be swept away with events rather than maintaining control of them.

That is precisely why as home secretary I brought forward much stronger protections against disproportionate protest and disorder, in the teeth of fierce opposition. But it was the right thing to do and those powers must be used to their maximal extent now.

Now is a moment for national reflection and solidarity – to pull back from the wave of violence we have seen, to call it out for what it is – without fear or favour – and for parliament to speak with one voice in condemnation. We either believe in the rule of law, or we do not.

That is why parliament must be recalled immediately.”

Updated

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick has criticised Nigel Farage’s remarks about the Southport stabbings, saying they did not “make the situation better”.

Asked for his view on the remarks from the Reform UK leader, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:

I don’t follow all the comments that Nigel Farage says but I don’t think any of us should be doing anything to make the job of the police more difficult at this time.”

Asked whether Farage’s comments had made the police’s job more difficult, he said:

I don’t think they made the situation better did they?

So I think we should all be choosing our words carefully, backing the police to the hilt and doing everything we can to ensure our streets are safe and this violence, which I’m worried is escalating, comes to an end as swiftly as possible.”

Police station set on fire last night, NE mayor confirms

Mayor of the north-east Kim McGuinness confirmed that a police station had been set on fire in the Sunderland disorder.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, McGuinness said:

I have spoken this morning to the chief constable of Northumbria police and I’m very grateful to them. What they had to put up with was real sustained violence.

We have seen police injured, we’ve seen 10 people so far arrested but I very much hope that we’ll see more of that throughout the day.”

She added:

You can see there’s really significant damage, they’ve set fire to a police station, to cars, they’ve looted shops, they’ve abused people in the street, they’ve attacked police officers and Sunderland will be feeling the effect of that.”

Speaking about the clean up in Sunderland after last night’s disorder, McGuinness said:

Things like this really affect the way that local people feel but the clean up overnight from Sunderland council has clearly been absolutely massive.

And what I’m really heartened by, alongside the thousands of people contacting me saying ‘this is not what we’re about, we’re about that love and that compassion’ is the fact that people in Sunderland are going to come together this morning and help with that clean up.

And I think that really shows the true spirit of what we are as the north-east and as Sunderland.”

Asked whether there was any specific knowledge of the events that were planned for Sunderland before, she replied:

We saw that these far-right groups were advertising what they called a peaceful protest yesterday in Sunderland.

That was anything but peaceful. It was out and out crime and violence and the police response was strong, protecting a mosque and really having to stand up to very sustained crime and violence from these thugs.”

Updated

A former police chief constable has urged people considering attending protests across the UK to “think very, very carefully before you go” about whether they want to “cause further pain and heartache to those beautiful little girls’ families”.

Former chief constable of Northumbria Police Sue Sim said the police were “well-trained” in disorder and would act and arrest those involved.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme:

This incident is being used by people of an apparent far-right tendency to create mass disorder across this country all I can say is shame on you.

Those beautiful children’s deaths should not allow such violent disorder to occur.

To those considering attending, she said: ‘Do you want to cause further pain and heartache to those beautiful little girls’ families?’

Faith leaders call for calm

Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Christian leaders were among those calling for calm at any demonstrations this weekend, amid warnings of potential escalation of violent disorder.

Far-right unrest has – so far – spread to London, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Manchester and Liverpool after three girls were murdered and two adults and eight children seriously injured at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club.

Social media postings wrongly alleged the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker, with a mosque targeted in Southport earlier in the week. A 17-year-old born in Cardiff, Axel Rudakubana, has now been charged with murder and attempted murder.

A group of more than a dozen imams coordinated by the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (Minab) joined forces with Christian and Jewish faith leaders in a show of solidarity outside the Southport mosque that was attacked earlier this week.

Qari Asim, Minab’s chair, said: “This is a time when we must stand firmly against opportunistic and shameful attempts to sow the seeds of division and hatred in our communities.”

The archbishop of Canterbury added to the calls for an end to violence, saying it was “completely unacceptable that Muslim and asylum-seeker communities are feeling so unsafe and I encourage people to reach out and support them”.

Umesh Sharma, the chair of the Hindu Council UK, said: “Whether it is mosques, mandirs or gurdwaras or churches – they should be left alone. Whatever anger, whatever frustration they have, it should not be shown on these buildings. These are places where we pray for all.

“If you want to protest, there are avenues, you can go protest at Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, outside parliament.”

Updated

In Liverpool on Friday, the far right were outnumbered several fold by anti-fascist groups.

Minor scuffles early in the evening were quickly stopped by police and by 9pm only a handful of far-right protesters remained, standing under trees across the road from Abdullah Quilliam society mosque trying not to get rained on.

A group of men standing opposite the anti-fascists did not quite have the confidence to admit they were far right, telling the Guardian they had only “come for a look”, with balaclavas on.

Condemnation of the rioting in Sunderland has been widespread.

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said he was “appalled” by disorder in the city centre.

Meanwhile, Sunderland AFC said the rioting was “shameful”:

The education secretary and Sunderland MP, Bridget Phillipson, described the unrest in the city as “unforgivable violence”.

Updated

Commenting on last night’s disorder, home secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Criminals attacking the police and stoking disorder on our streets will pay the price for their violence and thuggery.

The police have the full backing of government to take the strongest possible action and ensure they face the full force of the law.

They do not represent Britain.

Extra prosecutors were called in to work the weekend as police forces around the country brace for further disorder.

Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions, said:

We take the recent incidents of violent disorder extremely seriously and we are ready to respond rapidly if there is a fresh outbreak.

We have deployed dozens of extra prosecutors who are working round the clock this weekend, supporting the police, and ready to make immediate charging decisions so that justice is swiftly delivered.

Updated

Here are some images from photographers on the ground in Sunderland last night:

Dozens of protests planned this weekend across the UK

The Sunderland protest was among several planned across the UK this weekend after the knife attack in Southport on Monday, fuelled by misinformation on social media about the background and religion of the 17-year-old suspect.

Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate said up to 35 protests were due to take place across the UK this weekend “under a broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim and anti-government agenda”.

They include Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster, Glasgow, Hanley, High Wycombe, Hull, Liverpool, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Preston, St Helens, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon and Wrexham.

Updated

Police injured and arrests made on another night of disorder

Eight people have been arrested in Sunderland for offences including violent disorder and burglary after another night of rioting and disorder in parts of the UK.

Three police officers were taken to hospital after being injured, Northumbria police added. One had since been discharged.

At least one building was reportedly set on fire, and a car was also overturned and set alight as police struggled to control a crowd of several hundred protesters.

Some of the protesters wore balaclavas and some were draped in the England flag, with police officers being hit with beer cans and stones in the city centre and a nearby mosque on St Mark’s Road.Posting on social media about the building on fire, Nick Lowles, from the organisation Hope Not Hate, said: “A far right and racist protest has culminated in this. Shame on all those who continue to excuse these protests.”

It was initially reported that a police building had been set on fire but later reports suggested an adjacent building was instead set alight.

An overturned car was set on fire and rioters set off fire extinguishers against officers.

The protests, promoted by far-right activists on social media, had started at the newly refurbished Keel Square. Footage posted on social media showed young men throwing stones at police and shouting “Whose streets? Our streets” as well as Islamophobic chants.

Updated

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