The Presence of Heavy Police Quiets Riots and Protests
Continuing from a week of violence and disorder, arrests and court appearances persisted into Thursday, with at least 400 arrests and 140 individuals charged thus far.
Following a week of unrest, the number of individuals participating in protests and riots nationwide dwindled by Wednesday, as law enforcement presence escalated.
Law enforcement agencies across the nation had anticipated 100 anti-immigration protests, with over 1,300 officers deployed by the Metropolitan Police in London. However, disorder and rioting were largely absent in most locations, although counterprotests did occur in various cities.
Home Office Minister Dame Diana Johnson mentioned that the increased police presence and recent prosecutions had acted as a deterrent.
Similarly, Scotland Yard Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley stated on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program, “I think the show of force from the police and, frankly, the unity demonstrated by communities, overcame the challenges we faced.”
Riots erupted on July 30, a day after three young girls were tragically stabbed in Southport, following a false online rumor that the perpetrator was a Muslim illegal immigrant on a terror watch list who arrived in the UK by boat.
The suspect behind the Southport attack was identified as 18-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents. Rudakubana faces charges for the murder of the three girls and the attempted murder of 10 others.
‘Pure Antisocial Behavior’
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine from Scotland Yard said that counterprotests in Walthamstow and Finchley proceeded “without major incident or disruption,” although the force experienced some disturbances in the city.
In Croydon, London, police made 10 arrests after a group of around 50 individuals gathered, displaying intentions to cause disruption. However, the police clarified that this behavior was not linked to protests but was considered pure antisocial behavior.
Police arrested an individual in Bristol after a brick was thrown at them during a predominantly peaceful protest.
In Aldershot, police had to intervene to separate protesters and counterprotesters following escalating tensions.
Arrests and Court Appearances Ongoing
Convictions and sentencing for those involved in the protests have already begun. Three individuals in Liverpool were jailed after admitting to violent disorder, marking the first sentencing related to the unrest.
Four more individuals are scheduled to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for violent disorder, and three other men in Plymouth will also face sentencing for similar offenses.
Rowley confirmed that additional arrests were made overnight in connection to the violent disorder outside Downing Street on July 31, bringing the total arrests linked to the incident to 121.
Police noted that 70% of those arrested had previous convictions for violence, drug offenses, and weapon possession.
The Met police commissioner anticipated charges to be filed within the next 24 hours, with offenders potentially facing long prison terms.
Sharing Posts Online Inciting Violence
Johnson reported that over 400 individuals have been arrested, with that number expected to rise. She mentioned that more than 140 people have been charged, and court appearances and sentencing are ongoing.
She emphasized the legal consequences for individuals who share online posts inciting violence, stating that those engaging in criminal behavior, both online and on the streets, would be held accountable.
“If you engage in criminal activities online, we will take action against you just as firmly as we would for those committing acts of disorder and violence on our streets,” she added.
PA Media contributed to this report.
