Rioter who punched police officer in face in Southport jailed for three years
Josh Halliday
Josh Halliday, our North of England editor, reports on the court hearing this morning at Liverpool crown court:
The hearing at Liverpool crown court was told that an “unprecedented” 93 Merseyside police officers had been injured during the unrest over the past eight days, with more injuries being assessed daily.
In a statement read to court, the Merseyside police chief constable, Serena Kennedy, said officers had suffered a range of physical injuries – including a broken jaw and lost teeth – while some have been waking in the night with panic attacks.
Police had expressed “disbelief” that no officer had been killed in the unrest, Kennedy said, though many were left fearing whether they would “return home safely to their families”.
Derek Drummond, 58, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He has been jailed for three years, in the longest prison sentence so far over the far-right disorder in England and Northern Ireland.
Read more here: Rioter who punched police officer in face in Southport jailed for three years
Key events
Diane Taylor
Volunteer carpenters and builders have helped a longstanding refugee charity in Liverpool to board up after it appeared on the far right hit list for Wednesday evening.
Asylum Link Merseyside, which has been operating for more than 20 years, said they had no choice following the threats, along with some of the asylum seekers they support being attacked in the street. Charity workers said the adaptations they are being forced to make including switching from physical to remote working felt like another pandemic.
Asylum Link’s centre manager Ewan Roberts said: “As a charity working in Liverpool for decades we are shocked and dismayed by the violent threats towards our staff, volunteers and service users, and the potential damage to our neighbourhood. The response from the community has been overwhelming. We have had hundreds of offers of help and so many positive messages of support, it’s been really moving. We know this hatred is the minority and that most people in Liverpool are welcoming and kind.”
Libby Brooks
Police Scotland has warned the public to “think twice” about what they share from online sources while refusing to “add publicity” to potential planned “protests” in Scotland.
After meeting first minister John Swinney along with chief constable Jo Farrell, assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie said:
We are aware of a number of potential protests, and counter protests, over the coming weeks, which will be policed appropriately but we are not going to speculate on or add publicity to individual potential events.
I would also encourage everyone to be responsible in their use of social media and not to share speculation or inaccurate information. Please think twice about what you read, share and believe from online sources.
He added that officers were providing reassurance to communities across the country, with enhanced patrols and increased contact, adding that violence and disorder “is not legitimate protest and anyone who engages in disorder will be dealt with swiftly and robustly”.
Ritchie said that the force remained in close touch with other UK police services “should requests for support be required.”
Ben Quinn
Chairs of Mosques in Walthamstow have issued a statement “strongly advising” members of the community to avoid joining counter protests tonight against rumoured plans by far-right activists to target an immigration advice office in the area.
However, a debate has been sparked in the same community, with younger members saying that they plan to gather tonight alongside anti-fascist activists.
The Waltham Forest Council of Mosques (WFCOM) said in a letter circulated to their community: “As community leaders, it’s essential to recognise that our role does not involve providing public protection or policing. Attempting to manage crowds during such events can be challenging and may adversely affect Muslim communities. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the alleged connection between the event and the EDL.”
Syed Shafi, Secretary of WFCOM said he and others had spoken to local police authorities. He said the police confirmed that they were unaware of any intelligence reports regarding the threatened event until they were notified by the council.
“Given this information, the WFCOM Council of Mosques strongly advises community members to avoid participating in these protests. We kindly request that everyone refrain from engaging in activities related to this event.”
However, activists including the Stand up to Racism group have issued a rallying call for people to join them at 7pm in Walthamstow to oppose any appearance by the far-right later in the evening.
The Muslim Council of Britain has issued a statement with guidance to the UK’s Muslims for staying safe, saying “We know many communities across the UK remain fearful of violent far-right extremist riots. We know these thugs do not represent the vast majority of Britons who stand with us against such hatred and Islamophobia.”
🎥 WATCH NOW | MESSAGE FROM MCB SECRETARY-GENERAL
🚨We know many communities across the UK remain fearful of violent far-right extremist riots.
👉Our Secretary-General has a message with some key guidance on staying safe.
We know these thugs do not represent the vast majority… pic.twitter.com/7rGHSZw8Zu
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) August 7, 2024
In the video, Zara Mohammed, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, says:
I know just how deeply distressing and fearful these times are. We have not experienced this much violence and hatred in a very long time. I’ve been in touch with mosques across the country, and I know the real threat that they are under at this time. So our advice at the Muslim Council of Britain is simple.
First, stay safe. Whether it is your personal safety or the safety of your mosque, community centre or business, please be cautious. Do your risk assessment, and be in touch with the police. Make sure that you’re taking every precaution to be vigilant in these very, very difficult and dark times.
Number two, remain united. This is a time where we have seen an outpouring of love and support, people protecting our mosques and our businesses, and calling out this hatred and violence and thuggery for what it is, extreme, far-right violence. Nothing of it is acceptable to our society, and we’ve seen people truly come together. So remember to reach out to your allies, friends, neighbours, and to be united, and make sure this hate doesn’t win.
And number three, keep faith. We know our communities have been through so much. And these are just testing times, and we will overcome them once more. So hold on to the rope of Allah, remain united and be firm and hopeful that Allah will take care of us.
The MP for Clacton and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has asserted that “politicians and the media are falsely accusing me of being involved in the riots”.
He cited a YouGov survey which suggested concern about immigration as a policy area had risen as a result of a week of violent disorder in England and Wales.
The public have woken up and want the kind of action that Labour and the Tories will never deliver.
This is why politicians and the media are falsely accusing me of being involved in the riots. https://t.co/GtT3fHtz1r
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 7, 2024
It isn’t clear that anybody has accused Farage of being directly involved in the riots, although many people have claimed he has incited support for the far-right’s messages with years of rhetoric about immigration and point to the fact that in a video he published after the stabbing murders of three children in Southport last week he questioned whether police were withholding information about who was responsible for the murders.
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said last Wednesday that there was “a level of responsibility … and it’s not to stoke up what conspiracy theories or what you think might have happened”, while Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, said Farage’s comments “cannot be left to fester” and should be examined by the parliamentary standards commissioner.
London’s police warn parents to ‘think carefully about where their children are’ ahead of expected violent disorder
Vikram Dodd
Vikram Dodd is the Guardian’s police and crime correspondent:
Police told parents to know where their children are tonight, as Britain prepares for what is feared to be the worst public order challenge it has faced in over a decade.
The Metropolitan police, which covers London, where over 40% of the population is from ethnic minorities, vowed to defend its communities.
The warning from the Met to parents comes after other violence saw young people joining in. Several people under the age of 18 have already been charged in other areas of England for taking part in the recent far-right driven violent disorder.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “We have more than 1,300 public order officers ready to deploy across London today in addition to thousands already working in our communities. We will not tolerate any disorder and will make arrests.
“We are also using a range of specialist teams including mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers. We will be using retrospective facial recognition to help officers identify those behind criminal disorder. This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks.
“Everyone can play a role by not sharing inflammatory online speculation and giving our officers space to undertake their important duties.
“We also ask parents to think carefully about where their children are today and in coming days. Noone wants to be caught up in potentially violent and criminal behaviour.
“It is our privilege to be part of a city pulling together at an uncertain time. You will see more officers on patrol. If you are concerned, or need help, speak to them. They are there to help.”
Head of counter-terrorism policing confirms it is ‘actively assessing incidents’ and supporting forces across the UK
Vikram Dodd
Vikram Dodd is the Guardian’s police and crime correspondent:
Britain’s head of counter-terrorism, assistant commissioner Matt Jukes, has confirmed his command’s involvement in the huge police response to the violent disorder of the last week.
Jukes vowed to use terrorism laws to prosecute people, if merited.
It comes after his immediate predecessor as head of counter-terrorism, Neil Basu, told the Guardian on Monday, that some of the worst violence had crossed the line into terrorism.
Jukes confirmed for the first time that counter-terrorism detectives are involved in some of the investigations into the violence: “Counter-terrorism Policing is actively assessing incidents to understand whether terrorism legislation should be applied and we will make those judgements without fear or favour.”
Until now regular detectives have been leading the investigations, and currently that remains the case.
In his full statement, Jukes said:
Counter-terrorism policing is supporting forces across the UK in their response to the disgraceful disorder we have seen on our streets.
This includes using our specialist capabilities to support the full range of police activity, including intelligence gathering and informing operational planning.
We know that many people will feel vulnerable at this time, and we are supporting local forces with protective security expertise and advice.
We have seen terrible examples of violent crime, disorder and criminal damage, and charges are already being brought across the country. I am very clear that using terrorism legislation or declaring activity as terrorism has not been, and will not be, ruled out.
Counter-terrorism policing is actively assessing incidents to understand whether terrorism legislation should be applied and we will make those judgements without fear or favour.
Our message to those involved in this disorder is; we are watching and we will not hesitate to use our powers to protect our communities.
Our Politics Weekly UK podcast has just launched an episode about the far-right violence that has been seen in England and Northern Ireland in recent days. In it, Gaby Hinsliff speaks to the Guardian’s deputy political editor, Jessica Elgot, and Nazir Afzal, the former chief prosecutor for the north-west of England.
Listen to it here: Politics Weekly UK – Will the threat of arrests be enough to stop far-right violence?
Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn has said he is “shocked and angry” that businesses in the region had been targeted during violence after anti-immigration protests.
PA Media reports Benn said he met some of the business owners who have been attacked and PSNI officers who have been dealing with the violent disorder.
At a press conference at a community centre in Belfast, held with Northern Ireland Office minister Fleur Anderson, he said it was “really important” that people who are “shocked and angered and disgusted by what is happening speak up”.
Benn said: “People are entitled to protest and people are entitled to their political views, but there is no justification whatsoever for engaging in this kind of violence that is targeting particular communities.
“Members of these communities, some of whom I’ve met today, are frightened. People are afraid to go out of their own houses.”
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey earlier made a statement after meeting with Benn. She said “Today’s meeting was an opportunity to press upon him the urgent need to support businesses damaged by racist violence. I also told the British secretary of state that the PSNI urgently needs additional resources to deal with sporadic racist violence.
“It is important that police have every tool available to protect life and property, and to bring those responsible for this reprehensible racist behaviour to justice. Racist disorder is not welcome or reflective of Belfast and our people. All hate, discrimination, racism and intimidation must be eradicated from our society.”
Damien Gayle
Police officers will be stationed at strategic holding points around the country so they can “intervene early and … intervene hard” at short notice where violence flares in coming days, a senior police officer has said.
Sir Andy Marsh, chief executive of the College of Policing, which represents police forces in England and Wales, outlined the plan in an interview with Sky News on Wednesday afternoon, as the UK anticipates more widespread disorder.
The Guardian earlier reported that more than 6,000 public order trained officers would be on duty on Wednesday night, with officers from London and the south-east sent to the north-west and north-east where the worst violence is expected. Police intelligence said that more than 100 far-right led protests are planned.
Marsh said he would be convening a “knowledge sharing event” for public order commanders on Wednesday where they would “think about the tactics we need to use, the powers and the conditions.” He told the broadcaster:
We are seeing a huge mobilisation of police officers, the biggest since 2011, and those officers are mobilising to strategic holding points and they will intervene early and they will intervene hard where the law is being broken
Every single one of the police forces, and I heard in the lead in you said that two forces are not anticipating any – if we call it protest – locations, but every police force will have significant numbers, including neighbourhood police, out on their streets today [and] tonight making sure that people can go about their lives as safely and as normally as possible.
We have changed our approach actually, we would normally work from something that’s called mutual aid. Where a force can’t cope they apply for mutual aid either in advance or spontaneously. We know that that’s not quick enough, that’s precisely why we are moving to this new approach for this series of violence, so that we can get the right numbers of officers quickly enough to the right place to arrest the people that are responsible, put them before a court, and protect the community. That’s our priority.