UK riots live: Fireworks thrown and police van damaged in Plymouth after nearly 400 arrested across country

Fireworks were let off and a police van was damaged as far-right and anti-racist demonstrators clashed in Plymouth amid a wave of mob violence sweeping the UK.

The protesters clashed as campaign group Stand Up To Racism and a “stop the boats” rally met at Guildhall Square in Plymouth this evening.

Devon and Cornwall Police also said violence had been carried out against its officers and a riot van had been damaged during the confrontation.

In Birmingham, balaclava-clad rioters waving Palestinian flags were seen smashing a car as rumours of a far-right rally in the city circulated online.

It comes as almost 400 people have been arrested over the mob violence spreading across the UK, with the prime minister setting up a “standing army” of specialist police officers to deal with further attacks.

Sir Keir Starmer has held an emergency Cobra meeting after far-right mobs carried out racist attacks and set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth.

Have you been affected by this? Email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk

Key Points

• Crowds and police clash in Plymouth

• Six arrested in Plymouth

• Countries issue safety warnings over travel to UK amid riots

• 378 arrested with more expected to come

• ‘Standing army’ of specialist police offices to be set up

• One child remains in hospital after Southport attack

Mental health charity warns of consequences of racist and anti-immigration rhetoric

14:02 , Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:

A mental health charity has warned of the “real consequences” of racist and anti-immigration rhetoric as it condemns this week’s far-right violence in the UK.

Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health said: “Racist and anti-immigration rhetoric has real consequences. Public discourses that dehumanise people who are seeking asylum in the UK or who come from minoritised backgrounds have contributed to racist violence historically.

“It’s our duty today to address this. We call on politicians, the media and others in public office to take the lead in countering racist and Islamophobic narratives.

“Being and feeling safe is a fundamental foundation for good mental health. It’s vital that people are protected from this violence and that we learn as a society about what has caused it.”

‘Profoundly disturbing’ riots causing ‘fear, trauma and anxiety’ in NHS workforce

13:58 , Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:

The NHS Race & Health Observatory has strongly condemned the racist riots continuing across England and Northern Ireland as it highlighted the traumatic effect of them on the NHS’ diverse workforce.

“This is a sobering reminder of the racism, Islamophobia and hatred that exists in our society today, and which plays out in the everyday lives of many people of colour,” it said.

“This prejudice is profoundly disturbing and is causing real fear, trauma and anxiety in our communities and amongst our diverse workforce. And of course, our NHS would not be able to function without the talented people from across the globe that make up our healthcare system.”

The charity added that there must be an active zero-tolerance policy in place for dealing with racism, violence, and intimidation, with this policy made visible to patients too.

“Racism within society must be viewed as absolutely intolerable, it has devastating impacts upon lives and livelihoods and needs to be tackled head-on,” it added. “Britain will not be a successful, multicultural and forward-thinking country until it has equity at its core, we remain committed to the promise of that ideal.”

Human rights lawyer receives death threats

13:46 , Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s Social Affairs Correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:

Qays Sediqi, a human rights lawyer based in London, recalled how he received a menacing phone call at around 5pm on Monday where the caller threatened to kill him.

He told The Independent: “I’ve received death threats for my work supporting asylum seekers before but this time feels completely different. I had death threats when I was working on the Rwanda proceedings but now it feels personal, especially with everything else that is going on in the country.

“The call itself was very brief. He just said I’m what’s wrong with this country and that they’re coming to get me. ‘We will kill you son’, that’s what he said. Then they just hung up. I was still processing what was happening and then the next thing they hung up.

“I’ve decided not to go into the office at all this week for my safety. I work with my brother and we’re not going in. I reported the incident to the police but I’m not hopeful they can do anything. I’ve reported death threats before and nothing’s come of it.

“Most of our clients are vulnerable asylum seekers and it’s much better to be able to meet and speak to them in person in the office, but will have to try and make it work remotely this week.”

I was at the Rotherham riots – this is what the far-right had to say for themselves

13:31 , Athena Stavrou

What comes to mind when you think of a hero? Someone noble? Courageous? Someone willing to put themselves at risk to defend and protect others? Someone with a moral compass who won’t just accept injustice?

Well, if you’d been at yesterday’s riot in Rotherham you’d have been spoilt for choice, Katie Edwards writes.

You might have got the wrong end of the stick from seeing the footage of the trouble and thought you were watching mob violence – a bunch of vigilante vandals intimidating and terrorising a minority group, as well as the broader community – but, according to the people I spoke to yesterday, you’d be wrong.

Read the full story here:

I was at the Rotherham riots – this is what the far-right had to say for themselves

Opinion | ‘Stop the boats’: How the language of division fuelled the race riots

13:17 , Athena Stavrou

We are in this position after hearing mainstream politicians brand asylum-seekers as an ‘invasion’, says Sean O’Grady, suggesting that a ‘hurricane’ of migration was about to hit Britain; that the police were guilty of ‘double standards’ and ‘two-tier policing’.

No wonder we now have chaos on our streets, he argues.

“Many attending the so-called “protests” regarded the police as their enemies. They goaded them, threw rocks and anything else that came to hand; they almost lynched an officer pushed off his motorbike, burned vehicles and destroyed a neighbourhood police office in Sunderland. I’m not sure they would have minded much if any police personnel died in the arson attack.”

Read the full article here.

Builder first to be convicted following Rotherham riot

13:01 , Athena Stavrou

Self-employed builder Joshua Simpson has become the first person to be convicted following the rioting in Rotherham after he admitted assaulting a police officer.

Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how Simpson, 25, was abusive to police before he kicked a riot shield, forcing it back on to an officer’s leg.

A deputy district judge was told the incident happened as those involved in Sunday’s disorder were dispersing and Simpson, of no fixed abode, turned up by himself in the evening after seeing the incident unfold on a video as he was helping a friend in Worksop, Nottinghamsire.

The defendant admitted one count of assault of an emergency worker.

He was remanded in custody by deputy district judge Simon Blakebrough who asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared before he is sentenced on August 27.

The judge said he could not rule out sending Simpson, who said he is currently homeless, to prison.

Immigration advice centre to board up windows

12:45

The Independent’s Social Affairs Correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:

Mark Day, director at White Rose Visas in Sheffield, told The Independent that they were planning to board up the windows of the immigration advice centre ahead of any planned protests. However luckily all staff were already working from home this week as refurbishment is being done to the office. They have been advised to stay at home and the sign has been taken down from the building.

He said: “Whoever put together this list doesn’t know much at all. Our typical client is a doctor, a computer programmer, a dentist, a nurse. They are people who fill in the much needed gaps in our workforce. We’re not dealing with asylum claims or people who’ve come here on small boats. If companies need help employing someone then they come to us to help them sort the skilled worker visa.”

Although the staff won’t be in the building, Mr Day added he was worried about the potential for serious violence at the site this week.

He said: “I’m worried about the outside of the building. If it’s anything like the Rotherham hotel then this is serious stuff. It looks like these people are taking this destruction seriously.”

Three teenagers charged after Bolton riot

12:41 , Athena Stavrou

One and three teenagers have been charged in connection with riots in Bolton on Sunday.

Lancashire Police said Dominic Stanbridge, 31, of Highland Drive, Buckshaw, has been charged with violent disorder.

James Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, has been charged with criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

Both have been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the force added.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with violent disorder and another 16-year-old boy has been charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, police said.

Names of people charged after Middlesbrough riot

12:30 , Athena Stavrou

Cleveland Police said of the 28 people charged in connection with violence in central Middlesbrough on Sunday, 26 have been charged with violent disorder, one is accused of possession of an offensive weapon and another was charged after being wanted on a warrant.

The names of those due in court for alleged violent disorder from Middlesbrough are: Afran Magid, 18, of Byelands Street, David Gove, 41, of Brafferton Walk, Anthony Brown, 37, of Windsor Road, Andrew Livingstone, 53, of Clifton Street, Stacy Vint, 34, of Normanby Road, Kaleb Peacock Lightfoot, 19, of Dixon Grove, Robert Parsons, 56, of West Lane, Paul Sizer, 40, of Penrith Road, Ashley Ferguson, 33, of Somerset Street, Jonathan Ambrose, 33, of Letitia House, Thomas Rodgers, 22, of Wicklow Street, James Bullock, 20, Lennon Chisholm, 21, both of Berwick Hills Avenue, Lewis Loughlin, 23, of Victoria Road, Carl Robson, 29, of Halton Court, Mohammed Adam, 20, of Acton Street, Akheel Khan, 24, of Wheatley Close, Saleem Khan, 23, of Newlands Road, and Rosh Mahmood, 19, of Victoria Road.

The others charged with violent disorder are: Jamie Govan, 26, of Windmill Terrace, Stockton, a 16-year-old boy, of Thornaby, Joseph Mackenzie, 28, of Skeldale Grove, Darlington, Lawrence McGlade, 28, of Ellerbeck Way, Ormesby, Jonathan Lodge, 36, of Coatham Road, Redcar, Connor Stokes, 26, of Mansfield Avenue, Thornaby and Regan Walker, 23, of Stanley Road, Stockton.

Ethan Bowes, 18, of Woodhouse Road, Guisborough has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon – and Thomas Bennett, 32, is wanted on a warrant, the force said.

Southport rioter attended vigil before joining far-right violence

12:18 , Athena Stavrou

A man has been convicted for joining far-right riots in Southport after attending the vigil for the girls murdered in last week’s knife attack.

Dylan Carey, 26, of Castle Hill Road in Hindley, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court to violent disorder in Southport last Tuesday.

Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said Carey told officers he had gone to Southport because his girlfriend wanted to attend a vigil for the victims of the stabbing attack in the town and then went to attend the far-right gathering.

The prosecutor told the court: “He said he got more angry at the fact the girls had been murdered and he became involved in the disorder.”

footage played to the court showed him kicking a police van and throwing something towards it.

Carey was identified by officers who had seen footage on social media when he attended Southport train station later that evening.

Carey, who has no previous convictions, blew a kiss towards a woman sitting at the back of court as he walked into the dock and was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 12.

District Judge Timothy Boswell said: “Plainly, given the serious disorder Mr Carey has been a part of there is a real prospect of an immediate custodial sentence.”

First Rotherham hotel riot suspect in court

12:07 , Athena Stavrou

Christopher Rodgers has become the first person to appear in court following the rioting outside a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers.

Rodgers, 38, of Millmoor Road, Barnsley, appeared before a deputy district judge at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he denied one count of violent disorder.

The court heard how he is accused of being part of a group that were throwing missiles at police and then blocked the way as a line of officers moved forward.

He was bitten by a police dog before he was arrested, the court heard.

Rodgers appeared in the glass-fronted dock wearing a grey T-shirt and said “what a laugh” as he left the dock.

He was remanded in custody by Deputy District Judge Simon Blakebrough and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on August 20.

Boy, 15, convicted after being identified from TikTok

11:57 , Athena Stavrou

A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday after he was identified from a TikTok video.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court.

Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said following disorder in the city centre on August 3, the teenager had been identified on a TikTok video which was sent to police and from CCTV.

Footage played in court showed the youth among a crowd of people, becoming involved in a confrontation and taking his jacket and top off.

Mr Sanderson-Kirk said: “He picks up a paving slab and throws it at a member of the public.”

District Judge Timothy Boswell ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the case to September 17.

The boy, whose mother was in court, was granted bail with a condition not to enter the city centre.

Watch: Justice minister Heidi Alexander says Elon Musk’s ‘civil war’ comment is ‘unjustifiable’

11:39 , Athena Stavrou

Three rioters convicted for Blackpool violence

11:36 , Athena Stavrou

Three men from Blackpool have pleaded guilty to their part in violence across Lancashire on Saturday – including assaulting emergency workers and possession of a metal pole as an offensive weapon.

A spokeswoman for HM Courts and Tribunals Service said Roger Haywood, 41, Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, and Ben Smith, 32, admitted their part in the disorder at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Haywood pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and has been granted bail ahead of his sentencing hearing on September 4 at the same court.

Chalmers-Millington pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and was told he must not enter Blackpool promenade within 500 metres of the Metropole Hotel ahead of his sentencing hearing at the same court on September 3.

Smith was remanded in custody after admitting possession of an offensive weapon – namely a metal pole – and is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on September 16.

Cleverly criticises Starmer’s ‘standing army’ plan

11:35 , Athena Stavrou

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of a “standing army” of public order police to deal with the rioting.

The Tory frontbencher posted on X: “Labour still don’t understand that they’re not in opposition any more. In government you can’t just say stuff, you have to do stuff.”

He went on to pose a series of questions about the plan, including: “Using the word ‘army’ always sounds tough but is he suggesting a paramilitary police force?

“What new or additional powers will the unit have?

“Police forces across the UK have officers who are public order trained, but when not dealing with disorder they have other police duties.

“Will this ‘standing army’ of officers have no other duties? If so, what will they do when there are no riots? Or is Starmer expecting permanent riots?”

More detail on ‘standing army’ of police officers

11:30 , Athena Stavrou

Justice minister Heidi Alexander said the Government has revealed more detail about the planned “standing army” of police officers Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday afternoon.

Ms Alexander told Times Radio: “These are police officers who have had specialist training in dealing with public order offences.

“We had 4,000 available at the weekend. There will be another 2,000 available this week. It also means that police officers are able to be deployed in parts of the country where they are needed most.”

‘Are we gonna die?’: Teenager recalls hiding from far-right as group shouted racist slurs outside home

11:09 , Athena Stavrou

A teenager recalled how her family hid upstairs in their Middlesbrough home as far-right rioters targeted the house.

Aneeqa told BBC Radio 4 that thugs tried to get inside, were using racist slurs and jumped on top of her family car.

The 17-year-old added that her younger siblings were asking if they were going to die.

Almost 400 people have been arrested over the mob violence spreading across the UK following the deaths of three children in a stabbing attack in Southport last week.

Rioting followed the spread of false claims online that the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.

Man charged for Facebook posts

10:57 , Athena Stavrou

A man has been charged with intending to stir up racial hatred relating to alleged posts on Facebook, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Nick Price, director of legal services, said: “We have authorised West Yorkshire Police to charge Jordan Parlour, 28, with using threatening words or behaviour intending to stir up racial hatred.

“The charge relates to alleged Facebook posts between 1 August and 5 August in connection with the violent public disorder across the UK.

“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

He will appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

28 charged after Middlesbrough riot

10:55 , Athena Stavrou

Cleveland Police said 28 people will appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on Tuesday August 6 charged with violent disorder and other offences following disorder in Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The force said the court has set aside a remand court to deal with those appearing on Tuesday.

Two arrested over social media posts

10:47 , Athena Stavrou

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated harassment with intent to cause fear and violence after a social media post encouraging members of the public to protest outside a hotel, Cheshire Police said.

A force spokesman said officers received reports on Sunday of a post on Snapchat encouraging people to attend a protest outside a Cheshire hotel, which it falsely stated was home to a number of asylum seekers.

The post did not result in disorder, the force said.

A 32-year-old man and 34-year-old woman, from Chester, were arrested on Monday and later released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Chief Superintendent Jonathan Betts said: “As these arrests demonstrate, inciting violence online will not be tolerated in Cheshire and we will take robust action against all those involved in such activity.

“These messages have been posted in order to cause hate and disorder in our communities. Anyone who is found to be encouraging such offences, be that online or in person, will be dealt with.”

Holiday Inn owner urges calm after attacks on two hotels housing asylum seekers

10:30 , Athena Stavrou

The owner of Holiday Inn has called for calm to be restored after rioters attacked several of its UK hotels housing asylum seekers over the weekend.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said on Tuesday: “This is a troubling and challenging situation, and we hope for calm to be restored as soon as possible.

“The safety and security of our colleagues and anyone staying in our hotels is always our priority.

“We continue to work closely with the authorities at a small number of properties, and the Home Office are in the best position to answer further questions.”

At least 10 police officers were injured, with one left unconscious, after a mob tried to storm a Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham.

Hotel employees and residents, some of whom are asylum seekers, were “terrified”, but no injuries were reported, police said.

A similar incident played out at a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth on Sunday evening, where reports suggested asylum seekers were also being housed, in a scene which saw fires, smashed windows and missiles being thrown at officers, Staffordshire Police said.

Police dog attacked with brick at riot

10:26 , Athena Stavrou

Staffordshire Police are asking for help identifying those who struck a police dog with a brick and injured six officers during violent disorder in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent at the weekend.

Police dog Vixen was left with a gash above her right eye after she was attacked with a brick and is recovering at home after receiving medical treatment, the force said.

Six officers were also assaulted during the incidents across both towns at the weekend, although none of the injuries were serious.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said he believes there is video footage of the assault on Vixen on social media and urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “Police dogs are considered just as important as their human counterparts and so we are launching a full investigation to identify who assaulted a valued police dog. We believe there is footage of the incident circulating on social media, so if anyone can share the footage or help us identify those involved, we can seek justice for our canine colleague.

“The violence seen in Tamworth has been abhorrent, with two other police dogs injured too, and I know members of the public will be disgusted that a beautiful animal like Vixen has been harmed whilst trying to keep people safe.”

Two more including boy, 15, charged in Liverpool

10:20 , Athena Stavrou

Two more people - including a 15-year-old boy - have been charged with violent disorder after unrest in Merseyside last week.

Dylan Carey, 26, of Castle Hill Road in Hindley, Greater Manchester, is listed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder on St Luke’s Road in Southport last Tuesday.

A 15-year-old boy from Liverpool is due to appear charged with violent disorder on Paradise Street in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.

Eight charged in connection to Nottingham riots

10:17 , Athena Stavrou

Eight people have been charged in connection with disturbances that broke out during protests in Nottingham city centre at the weekend.

Nottinghamshire Police arrested 15 people at a protest in the city’s Old Market Square on Saturday, with one woman and seven men aged between 18 and 46 now charged with a variety of crimes, including public order, weapon offences and assaulting an emergency worker.

Three people have been released with no further action while investigations continue on others, the force said on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “The vast majority of the public who attended carried out their right to protest in a peaceful manner. Those who were intent on causing problems were dealt with robustly.

“It should be repeated that anyone who comes into the city or our neighbourhoods over the coming days to cause any kind of disorder can expect a robust response from us.

“It simply won’t be tolerated.”

Riots continue in Belfast, Plymouth, Darlington and Birmingham on Monday

10:12 , Athena Stavrou

Multiple petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at police in Belfast as further far-right violence descended on towns across the country on Monday night.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said rioters poured petrol and set a police Land Rover alight as one man is in serious condition after being attacked in a suspected hate crime.

Police were injured during “sustained violence” in Plymouth where a police riot van was damaged as fireworks were let off.

Violence also unfolded in Darlington, where Durham Police said one person has been arrested after bricks were thrown at police during violent disorder.

In Birmingham, a pub and cars were also damaged after hundreds gathered in the Bordesley Green area following false reports that far-right protestors planned to march through the area.

Man in serious condition after suspected hate crime in Belfast

09:41 , Athena Stavrou

A man is in serious condition after being attacked in a suspected hate crime in Belfast on Monday night.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said witnesses reported seeing his attackers stamp on his head as members of the public attempted to shield him from further attack.

Another night of far-right violence saw police officers come under “sustained attack” from multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry and bricks in south Belfast.

Petrol was also poured over a police Land Rover and set alight, though the occupants of the vehicle were not physically harmed and remained on duty.

A 15-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remained in police custody on Tuesday morning.

Pictured: Damage to pub in Birmingham

09:30 , Athena Stavrou

Third man charged in Bristol

09:24 , Athena Stavrou

A third man has been charged in connection with violent disorder in Bristol city centre on Saturday, Avon and Somerset Police said.

Ashley Harris, 36, of Chipperfield Drive, Kingswood, has been charged with violent disorder and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court later on Tuesday.

Two other men, aged 45 and 39, were charged with Section 4 public order offences on Sunday and are due in court in September.

India issues warning to UK tourists

09:18 , Athena Stavrou

India has become the latest country to issue a warning to its citizens visiting The UK.

The High Commission of Indian in London said they were “closely monitoring” the situation as they advised visitors from India to “stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK”

Australia, Malaysia and Nigeria have also issued similar warnings to its citizens.

Ministers arrive at Downing Street

09:10 , Athena Stavrou

Cabinet ministers are arriving at Downing Street as they meet in the midst of far-right violence sweeping the country.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healy were amongst the arrivals at Number 10 this morning.

Elon Musk under fire for claiming ‘civil war is inevitable’ in UK

09:01 , Athena Stavrou

Ministers continued to criticise Elon Musk for claiming “civil war” in the UK is “inevitable” as rioting continues.

Justice minister Heidi Alexander told Times Radio: “I agree with what the spokesperson on behalf of the Prime Minister was saying yesterday. I do think these comments are unjustifiable.

“If you have got a platform, a large social media platform, then you have also got a responsibility.

“I think it is deeply irresponsible, I think everyone should be appealing for calm.

“Use of language such as a ‘civil war’ is in no way acceptable. We are seeing police officers being seriously injured, buildings set alight, and so I really do think that everyone who has a platform should be exercising their power responsibly.”

Six people charged in Rotherham after hotel set fire

08:58 , Athena Stavrou

Six people have been charged with offences following rioting outside a hotel in Rotherham on Sunday, South Yorkshire Police said.

Lee Crisp, 42, of Mount Road, Grimethorpe, Christopher Rodgers, 38, of Millmoor Road, Barnsley, and Liam Grey, 20, of Randerson Drive, Mexborough, have been charged with violent disorder.

Two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have also been charged with violent disorder.

Joshua Simpson, 26, of Sherbrook Street, Lincoln, has been charged with violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker.

The force said all six are due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.

All being violent will face consequences ‘no matter who they are’ after pub attacked in Birmingham

08:56 , Athena Stavrou

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said perpetrators of violence in Birmingham “will face the consequences no matter who they are”.

The Home Office minister, who is the MP for Birmingham Yardley, tweeted: “The police have attended all sites of violence tonight and all those perpetrating it will face the consequences no matter who they are.

“Thanks to all residents who have acted with grace and kindness and have kept people informed so actions could be taken.”

Ms Phillips had reposted text from Birmingham Police’s account, which read: “We have been working hard alongside our community leaders and would like to thank everyone for their support today.”

The MP had earlier written: “People in Yardley are scared tonight. We have directed police to all locations of violence we are hearing about. Any acts of violence will not be tolerated.”

Six arrested in Plymouth

08:46 , Athena Stavrou

Six people were arrested following disorder in Plymouth on Monday evening, and several officers suffered minor injuries in the violence, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

The force said specialist officers were deployed to the Guildhall in the city centre at around 3.30pm, and a number of members of the public were injured, with two taken to hospital.

“Our approach to this operation was to enable peaceful protests, but people who were intent on committing public order or criminal offences, have and will be dealt with robustly. This is the style of policing that we have delivered and what our communities expect,” the force said.

“Violence will not be tolerated, hate will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to keep the people of Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly safe and reduce anti-social behaviour.

“We will continue to take positive action against individuals in breach of the law and have carried out arrests for a range of public order offences and assaults following today’s events.

“We will also be following up on post investigative enquiries throughout the coming days.”

Rioters ‘defile the flag they wrap themselves in’, Archbishop says

08:38 , Athena Stavrou

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said far-right rioters “defile the flag they wrap themselves in” as violence continues across the UK.

Horrifying scenes across the UK in the last week have seen rioters take to the streets, setting fires and looting with many wearing England or British flags.

Archbishop Justin Welby told BBC Radio 4: “It is not British. It is not English. They defile the flag they wrap themselves in.”

18-year-old arrested after bricks thrown at police in Darlington

08:17 , Athena Stavrou

One person has been arrested after bricks were thrown at police during violent disorder in Darlington on Monday evening, according to Durham Police.

The force said dozens of police officers were deployed to the North Lodge Park area after two large groups of men gathered shortly after 9pm.

It said this resulted in “small pockets of serious violence, which saw bricks being thrown at police officers who attended the scene”.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and possession of a controlled drug, a spokesman said.

He remains in custody on Tuesday morning.

500 additional prison places put into use

08:09 , Athena Stavrou

Heidi Alexander said the Government had brought more than 500 additional prison places into use to deal with rioting, and some 6,000 specialist police officers were at the ready.

The justice minister told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We will make sure that anyone who is given a custodial sentence as a result of the riots and disorder, there will be a prison place waiting for them.

“What we have been able to do in the last week since the problems have arisen is that we have been able to bring forward some additional prison places that we had been due to bring on stream later in the month. There are 567 additional prison places.”

Asked whether there were enough lawyers to deal with the amount of prosecutions coming forward, and the possibility courts could sit through the night, the justice minister told Times Radio: “I think we will make it work, because these are extraordinary circumstances and we need to be delivering swift justice.”

She also revealed more detail about the planned “standing army” of police officers, telling Times Radio: “These are police officers who have had specialist training in dealing with public order offences.

“We had 4,000 available at the weekend. There will be another 2,000 available this week. It also means that police officers are able to be deployed in parts of the country where they are needed most.”

‘Petrol bombs thrown’ as riot police attempt to quell violence in Belfast

07:51 , Andy Gregory

Riot police were attacked with missiles and fires were lit in the streets again on Monday night as violence once again flared up in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast.

A smaller protest had taken place on Monday evening in Belfast city centre, but the latest violence began several hours later in the same area where two businesses were attacked on Saturday.

Officers in riot gear sealed off the street as social media footage showed police officers warning the crowd to disperse.

Reports said around 100 people had gathered in the Donegall Road area, with petrol bombs being thrown.

Darlington disorder

07:17 , Andre Langlois

An 18-year-old man was arrested following violent disorder in Darlington on Monday.

Dozens of police officers were deployed to the North Lodge Park area after two large groups of mostly males gathered just after 9pm.

Police said “small pockets of serious violence” included bricks being thrown at officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen said: “What we have been dealing with tonight in Darlington has been sporadic pockets of violent disorder involving groups of people intent on causing serious harm to our communities and their property.

“We deployed a number of officers to the scene who worked throughout the night to disperse those involved.”

Watch: Peaceful vigil in Southport a week on from killings of three girls

07:00 , Alexander Butler

150 officers deployed in Plymouth

06:00 , Alexander Butler

Devon and Cornwall Police said 150 officers are deployed in Plymouth city centre and “work is ongoing to de-escalate the situation” after officers were injured during clashes.

In a post on social media, the force said: “We currently have 150 officers deployed in Plymouth City Centre. Violence will not be tolerated, hate will not be tolerated. Work is ongoing to de-escalate the situation.”

Several officers injured in Plymouth protest

05:00 , Alexander Butler

Devon and Cornwall Police Superintendent Russ Dawe said “several officers” had been injured in Plymouth and arrests had been made “for a range of public order offences and assaults”.

He said: “We continue to police ongoing events in Plymouth with a highly visible police presence. Specialist officers were deployed to the Guildhall in the city centre at around 3.30pm today. During the evening, we’ve seen levels of violence across the city, and several officers have sustained injuries.

“I would like to reassure the community that we are fully resourced at this time with a strong police presence. Violence will not be tolerated, hate will not be tolerated, and we continue to work with our partners to keep the people of Plymouth safe.”

Watch: Protesters in Birmingham surround TV reporter and slash tyres of broadcast van

04:00 , Alexander Butler

Watch: Police knock man down with riot shield in Plymouth protest

03:00 , Alexander Butler

Asylum seekers ‘glad to be alive’ after Rotherham hotel attack

01:00 , Alexander Butler

Asylum seekers who were inside a Rotherham hotel when it was attacked by far-right rioters are frightened but glad to be alive, an activist who attempted to guard the entrance said.

Phil Turner, from Stand up to Racism Rotherham, helped organise a counter-demonstration of around 150 people at the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday in support of the refugees who were trapped inside.

The violence in the South Yorkshire town took place amid widespread rioting across the UK in recent days, in the wake of last week’s stabbings in Southport.

Asylum seekers ‘glad to be alive’ after Rotherham hotel attack, says activist

Police investigate assault in Birmingham

Monday 5 August 2024 23:42 , Alexander Butler

West Midlands Police are investigating reports of an assault and criminal damage to a pub and multiple vehicles after a large group of people gathered in Birmingham.

People gathered in Bordesley, Birmingham, after rumours of a far-right rally circulated online, with footage emerging of masked protesters saying “F*** the EDL, free Palestine”.

Police are also investigating reports of a man who was in possession of an offensive weapon. No arrests have yet been made, the force added.

Six arrested in Plymouth

Monday 5 August 2024 23:35 , Alexander Butler

Six people have been arrested in Plymouth after the far-right and anti-racists clashed amid a wave of mob violence sweeping the UK.

Writing on X, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We have made six arrests following events in Plymouth today (Monday 5 August).

“During the evening, we saw levels of violence across the city and several officers sustained minor injuries as a result.”

Birmingham rioters will ‘face consequences’, Jess Phillips says

Monday 5 August 2024 23:11 , Alexander Butler

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said perpetrators of violence in Birmingham “will face the consequences no matter who they are”.

The Home Office minister, who is the MP for Birmingham Yardley, tweeted: “The police have attended all sites of violence tonight and all those perpetrating it will face the consequences no matter who they are.

“Thanks to all residents who have acted with grace and kindness and have kept people informed so actions could be taken.”

Ms Phillips had reposted text from Birmingham Police’s account, which read: “We have been working hard alongside our community leaders and would like to thank everyone for their support today.”

The MP had earlier written: “People in Yardley are scared tonight. We have directed police to all locations of violence we are hearing about. Any acts of violence will not be tolerated.”

378 arrested so far with more expected to come

Monday 5 August 2024 16:32 , Athena Stavrou

Police have made 378 arrests so far since disorder broke out last week and the total is expected to rise each day, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said as it promised a “united and robust policing response”.

NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens said: “Every community across the country will have been affected in some way by the violent disorder we have seen in this past week.

“I want to reassure the public that a united and robust policing response is in place across the country and we are doing all we can to tackle this disorder and keep you safe.

“All forces have been requested not only to increase the number of specialist resources in their local area, but to contribute to regional reserves, coordinated nationally.

“So far 378 arrests have been made and we expect that total to rise each day as forces continue to identify those involved and continue to apprehend those responsible. Work is going on around the clock to do this and those involved will be brought to justice.

“We have been clear that this is not protest activity or people exercising their democratic right. It is unnecessary violence and we’ve seen important community hubs like a Citizen’s Advice Bureau and a library completely destroyed.”