POLICE forces across England are braced for riots by “hateful and divisive groups” as they monitor reports of more than 100 possible gatherings and threats against immigration law specialists.
A list of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies has been shared in chat groups as possible targets for gatherings, with the message inviting attendees to “mask up”.
Tell Mama, a group which monitors Islamophobia in the UK, said it had alerted police and counter-terrorism officials to the “far-right threats”.
The Law Society of England and Wales described such gatherings as a “direct assault on our legal profession”, while Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said threats against solicitors are “unacceptable” and those making them will “join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by police within the last week”.
Some businesses have advised employees to work from home on Wednesday, and police and fire officers have visited their premises to check security arrangements, including CCTV cameras and smoke alarms, the PA news agency reported.
Police Scotland on Wednesday morning sought to calm “speculation” about a far-right rally in George Square, Glasgow.
In a statement, the force said: “There is no intelligence to suggest any protest is planned. Please be wary of what you read on social media, and avoid speculation and sharing information which my be inaccurate.”
Police south of the Border are understood to be preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter protests on Wednesday, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.
Around 100 people have already been charged in connection with the unrest, and charges continued to be brought on Tuesday night, with defendants expected in court on Wednesday.
Overnight, two 38-year-old men were charged with violent disorder in connection with disturbances in Southport and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, police said they are investigating several racially-motivated hate crimes in Belfast on Tuesday evening, including an attack on a young boy by a group of youths.
Keir Starmer praised the “robust and swift response” of the criminal justice system, adding that he expects the sentencing of some of those involved to take place by the end of the week.
Speaking to reporters after chairing his second Cobra meeting in two days, the Prime Minister said: “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week.
“Nobody, but nobody, should be involved themselves in this disorder.”
He sought to reassure communities, pledging to keep people safe, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told chief constables the Government would provide support with overtime pay and other resources needed by police forces.
But the Government has faced criticism from right-wing figures such as Twitter/X owner Elon Musk that police had handled the disorder more harshly than if it had involved members of ethnic minorities.
Musk has berated Starmer on his social media platform, branding him “two-tier Keir”, an epithet which has been picked up by right-wing figures including Reform MP Richard Tice and Laurence Fox.
Having rejected the accusation of “two-tier policing” on Monday, former home secretary and Tory leadership contender Priti Patel told GB News on Tuesday night that Starmer should recall Parliament to respond to the claims.
She said: “The fact that that perception exists undermines public trust and confidence in our police. That’s not a good place to be.”
The Government has rejected the claims, and the Prime Minister told reporters his focus is on “ensuring that our communities are safe”.
Approximately 6000 specialist officers will be at the ready by the end of the week for the so-called “standing army” of police announced by the Prime Minister on Monday.
These officers have been taken away from their regular duties to deal with ongoing disorder.
In addition to more riot police being put on stand-by, forces are also stepping up neighbourhood policing patrols, teams of detectives are drawing on CCTV, body-worn footage and making use of retrospective facial recognition to identify perpetrators of violence, and intelligence teams are monitoring well-known influencers and organisers for activity.
Cooper (below) said: “Criminals should expect to pay the price for violent thuggery and disorder on our streets. Keyboard warriors also cannot hide, as criminal organisation and incitement online will be liable for prosecution and strong penalties too.”
More than 400 people have been arrested after disorder around England and Northern Ireland, according to police sources, with the number expected to rise in the coming days.
The violence was sparked by false claims about the identity of the teenager suspected of killing three young girls and injuring several others in a knife attack in Southport on July 29, and has seen shops looted and hotels housing asylum seekers attacked.
In a statement, Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said on Wednesday: “This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade. This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.
“We know about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital tomorrow [Wednesday] night. They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.
“The scenes of racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country have been deeply shocking. Members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured.
“We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.
“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.
“Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear – you will face the full force of the law.
“Our officers put the safety of others above that of their own. They have faced dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse in the name of public service and keeping the King’s peace.
“They will continue to fulfil their duty in the coming days and weeks.
“Londoners in parts of the capital will see more officers in their local area. If anyone is concerned or needs our help, please speak to them. They are there to help.
“Our officers and our communities have truly pulled together in these difficult times.
“We are proud to stand together against the vile and criminal behaviour we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
