Starmer: Rioters will feel the full force of the law

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Rioters will face “the full force of the law”, Sir Keir Starmer has vowed ahead of a further expected wave of riots across the UK. 
The Prime Minister, speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting at Downing Street, said rioters should expect “substantive sentences” on conviction.
More than 400 people have been arrested following the violent unrest in nearly two dozen cities and towns in England, Wales and Northern Ireland over the past six days.
Sir Keir promised communities “will be safe” and that the criminal justice system has shown a “robust and swift response” in the face of the unrest.
Police forces are bracing themselves for up to 30 potential gatherings of rioters on Wednesday. 
A list of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies has been shared in chat groups as possible targets for gatherings, with the message inviting would be rioters to “mask up” if they attend.
The Law Society of England and Wales described such gatherings as a“direct assault on our democratic values” and urged the Government to treat such “threats against the legal profession” with the “utmost seriousness”.
A teenager who smashed police cars during disorder in Bolton is believed to have become the first person to be jailed over the riots.
James Nelson, 18, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to causing criminal damage on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police said.
He was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment at Manchester magistrates’ court. 
Wes Streeting the Health Secretary, said those who are racist to NHS staff in health settings “can and should” be turned away from care.
He Government “will not tolerate” the continuation of violence and condemned the “mindless thuggery” seen on streets across Britain. 
An assault on a young boy in Belfast is being investigated as a hate crime by police.
Officers said a large group of young people threw eggs at a shop on the Falls Road at 6.10pm on Tuesday.
They said a young boy was also assaulted by up to 10 youths and sustained a minor facial injury.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, who attended the scene, said the community was “disgusted” by the incident.
He said west Belfast locals defended a business that came under attack by a group of young people.
“It is deeply concerning to see young people swept up in such behaviour, especially when we have seen such sickening and widespread attacks on minorities in recent days,” he said.
Reports that a number of youths have attacked the Middle East Market on the Falls Road in west Belfast. A number of community activists and a councillor are now onsite with the youths dispersed. @BelTel pic.twitter.com/swPY1NcZwq
A Police chief in Avon and Somerset has vowed to take the “strongest possible action” against those taking part in planned unrest on Wednesday.
Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said he was aware of online posts calling people to gather in Bristol and vowed to “maintain order and keep people safe”.
In a statement issued by Avon and Somerset Police, Mr Reilly said: “The incidents of disorder we’ve seen take place across the country recently, including in Bristol on Saturday, are completely unacceptable.
“These are not legitimate protests and we will not tolerate any behaviour which attempts to divide our communities.
“We’re aware of posts circulating online calling for people to gather in Bristol tomorrow night and I want to reassure you we’ll have significant resources in place to maintain order and keep people safe.”
The Lord Chancellor has warned people who “incite mobs” will “feel the full force of the law”, amid concerns over the safety of legal professionals.
It comes as a number of events were planned outside immigration advice centres and solicitors’ offices across the country on Wednesday.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Every day, across the country, solicitors uphold the rule of law.
“Inciting mobs to attack their offices, or threatening them in any way, is unacceptable.
“Those found doing so will face the full force of the law.They will join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by police within the last week.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn into comments made by X owner Elon Musk about the ongoing disorder in the UK.
When asked by reporters if he was worried about Mr Musk’s impact on the unrest, or if the man who bought social media platform Twitter had a point with some of his opinions, Sir Keir said: “My focus is on ensuring that our communities are safe. That is my sole focus and I think it’s very important for us all to support the police in what they’re doing.
“I went up to Southport to speak to some of the police who had been the first responders to the terrible attack that happened. They described the scene to me and what they had to deal with when those girls were attacked.
“Those same officers were then attacked on their own streets later the same day – the same officers who had been the first responders.
“Our first duty is to support the police in a difficult exercise that they are engaged in, keeping us safe… the police are doing a difficult job in difficult circumstances and I think that everybody should be giving their full support to ensure that we can make sure that our streets are safe and our communities feel safe and secure.
“That is really where the focus ought to be. That is my sole focus and that’s why I held this second Cobra meeting.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the criminal justice system has shown a “robust and swift response” in the face of ongoing unrest.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday’s Cobra meeting, Sir Keir said: “Within a week, the criminal justice system really has shown the robust and swift response that is very important to sending a message in circumstances like this.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is expecting “substantive sentencing” for those taking part in the unrest “before the end of this week”.
Speaking to reporters inside Downing Street on Tuesday evening, Sir Keir said: “Those involved will feel the full force of the law… over 400 people now have been arrested, 100 have been charged – some in relation to online activity – and a number of them are already in court.
“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of this week.
“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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised communities “will be safe”following a Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening and said those taking part in unrest will “feel the full force of the law”.
Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, has been seen leaving the Cabinet Office in Westminster, London, where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has chaired a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee.
A woman who pushed a burning wheelie bin into a row of police officers before falling to the ground and being arrested has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Teesside Magistrates Court heard Stacy Vint, 34, and a man were seen pushing the bin, the contents of which were on fire, on Linthorpe Road during unrest in Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Prosecutor John Garside said the pair then shoved the bin at a police line before Vint fell over and was arrested.
She initially gave officers a false name, the court heard.
Vint was remanded in custody until her sentencing on August 28.
Police have appealed for video footage of criminality, including an attack on a car, during a counter-protest staged after social media rumours of a far-right march being held in Birmingham.
Officers are also treating an attack on a drinker who was punched and kicked outside a pub in the Yardley area of the city as violent disorder.
West Midlands Police said the level of policing during “sporadic incidents” of disorder on Monday night had been commensurate with intelligence assessments made before hundreds of people gathered in the Bordesley Green area.
As well as smashing a window of a car, counter-protesters broke windows at a pub and attacked a man aged in his 50s standing outside who is not believed to have suffered serious injuries.
Officers have also arrested a 46-year-old on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after television coverage of a person apparently holding a sword, and added they are investigating attempts to slash a tyre on a Sky News vehicle.
A Sky News correspondent was followed by a man in balaclava holding a knife after speaking live from Birmingham. The man stabbed the tyre of Sky broadcast van but didn’t damage it, so the crew was able to drive away.https://t.co/7zoRVgoBS2 pic.twitter.com/rbUTzpIPfN
South Yorkshire Police said a total of 51 officers were injured as a result of violence outside the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Manvers, Rotherham on Sunday.
Officers received injuries including broken bones, concussion, bruising, and head wounds, while police horses and dogs were also hurt, with one horse sustaining a hoof injury which has forced it retire from duty.
Injured officers who have been unable to resume frontline duties are now part of the team trawling through footage and gathering evidence to secure arrests and charges, the force said.
Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley said officers were “truly grateful for the kind messages of thanks and support which have been received from our communities”, adding: “I am so proud of our officers’ bravery and resilience on the night and now their ongoing dedication to helping our communities remain safe, coming back to work despite being subjected to such terrible levels of violence.”
Mr Hartley added: “If you were involved in the outright acts of violence and thuggery on Sunday, let me be clear – we are coming for you.
Nigel Farage has said he was referring to claims made by influencer Andrew Tate when he asked whether the alleged Southport attacker was known to security services.
In a video posted on July 30, the day after the attack that killed three young girls, Reform UK leader Mr Farage said there had been “reports” that the suspect was being monitored by the security services.
Referring to the police description of the attack as a non-terror incident, he added: “I just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us. I don’t know the answer to that. I think it’s a fair and legitimate question.”
Speaking to LBC on Tuesday, he declined to apologise for his comments, saying the disorder following the Southport attack had been so bad because “we weren’t told the truth”.
He said his comments about the security services had been referring to posts by “prominent folks with a big following”, such as Andrew Tate falsely claiming the suspect had arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel in a small boat in 2016.
🚨 NEW: Nigel Farage says he was misled by Andrew Tate and ‘other folk with big followings’ into incorrectly suggesting that the man charged with the Southport killings ‘was known to security services’ pic.twitter.com/t5Mx9SEERv
Funding will not be a barrier to a strong police response to disorder, the Home Secretary has said.
In a call on Tuesday, Yvette Cooper told chief constables their forces would receive support for overtime pay and any other resources they required when dealing with public disorder.
She said: “The police have my unwavering commitment to ensure they have everything they need to mobilise a strong frontline response across the country to put a stop to the appalling displays of violence and criminal damage we have seen in some of our towns and cities.
“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.”
Immigration advice staff and solicitors have said they are “fearful” about going to work amid “one of the worst” periods of violent disorder of the last decade.
Police are aware of six potential events on Tuesday and officers are anticipating a busy day on Wednesday as they monitor reports of at least 30 possible gatherings.
Concern for the safety of immigration law specialists in particular has been sparked after a list of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies across the country were shared in chat groups as targets in the coming days.
Staff at some of those businesses said they have been advised to work from home on Wednesday, and that police and fire officers had visited their premises to check security arrangements including CCTV cameras and smoke alarms.
An office manager at an immigration advisory service said he felt “very very scared and very upset” regarding the threats his workplace has received.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Around this area, all of the shops that are next to us – they’re very scared as well. Offices and restaurants – they’re very scared and upset.”
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has arrived at the Cabinet Office for the Cobra meeting.
Sir Keir Starmer is chairing a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday evening following ongoing unrest across parts of the country.
Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, has called for an end to the “senseless violence and intimidation”.
He said: “The violence which has sowed fear in local communities and damaged businesses is totally unacceptable.
“The people of Northern Ireland deserve better. Those involved in this violent disorder are damaging the very communities they falsely claim to represent.”
He added: “I urge those involved to stop this senseless violence and intimidation.”
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has published a video on X, formerly Twitter, criticising rioters.
The video, which is nearly nine minutes long, is accompanied by the caption: “How to stop the riots.”
How to stop the riots. pic.twitter.com/WRAIhrgxe3
Supt Emlyn Richards, of West Midlands Police, said that the comments made on X, formerly Twitter, by Elon Musk, the social media platform’s owner, are not ‘helpful’.
She said: “I don’t think it’s helpful at this moment in time. However, people have that right to express their opinions and that’s what Mr Musk has done.
“What I would say in respect of two-tier policing, is it doesn’t exist in the West Midlands – we are here to police without fear or favour.”
The senior officer added: “My plea to communities is to be extremely mindful of the incredibly harmful spreading of misinformation on social media at the current time, do challenge what you see online, report where appropriate and consider the source of the posts.”
Elon Musk could be summoned for a grilling by British MPs over X’s role in riots that have rocked the UK over the last week, as well as his own comments about the violence.
Chi Onwurah and Dawn Butler, who are both Labour MPs and are competing to chair Parliament’s science, innovation and technology committee, told Politico that they’d press Musk and other technology executives to answer questions around the role of social media platforms amid unrest in the UK.
Ms Onwurah, the Newcastle upon Tyne MP, told Politico: “The really important points here are the way algorithms of platforms promote and amplify misinformation and the spreading of racial hatred, and how the platforms’ business models rely on that.” 
She has already criticised Musk for what she called “X’s role in spreading misinformation” and she has said X has a “responsibility not to incite racial hatred”.
Ms Butler, the MP for Brent East, told Politco that the committee must “question all owners of social media platforms.”
She said of X: “It’s a very powerful base, and we need to understand that power and make sure that it’s responsible.”
An extra 2,200 specialist riot officers are being put on standby ahead of warnings that far right thugs are planning to target more than 30 immigration centres across Britain.
Police forces had already mobilised 4,000 trained public order officers to deal with the violence and disorder sweeping Britain.
But with the unrest showing no sign of abating, police leaders have boosted the numbers by an extra 2,200 officers.
They will be on standby across the country and can be mobilised to support colleagues locally and regionally.
The move comes amid fears that extremists are planning to target dozens of law centres which specialise in helping those seeking help with asylum applications.
A list of at least 39 centres offering immigration services across England is believed to have circulated among far right groups.
Police confirmed that intelligence sources had identified at least 30 hotspots where trouble could flare on Wednesday.
Nottinghamshire Police have urged anyone planning to attend a protest on Wednesday not to after it was found that the location advertised online is the address of an elderly person.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the force said: “We are aware of a potential protest being organised in Nottingham on Wednesday evening.
“The location has no links to the business advertised on the internet. Officers have visited the address and it is home to an elderly person with vulnerabilities.”
A 46-year-old male has been arrested by police investigating TV footage that shows a man apparently armed with a weapon at a counter-protest in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, on Monday night.
West Midlands Police also said an assault on a drinker outside Yardley’s Clumsy Swan pub is being investigated as a violent disorder.
Other inquiries are under way into damage caused to windows at the pub, attempts to slash a tyre on a Sky News vehicle, and damage caused to a Skoda car that was forced to drive across a grassed area after being attacked.
A teenager who tried to disguise his identity by wearing a pink balaclava while he smashed the windows of police cars during a riot has been jailed.
James Nelson, 18, was arrested after a protest in Bolton became violent on Sunday. 
Smoke bombs and other missiles were thrown during the disorder as police separated two groups – one of mostly Asian men and the other waving England flags.
Nelson was charged with causing £4,999 worth of damage to police vehicles in a Morrisons car park on Black Horse Street.
He was jailed for two months at Manchester and Salford magistrates’ court after pleading guilty to one count of causing criminal damage.
He was also ordered to pay £4,999 in compensation by 1 December. 
Sir Gavin Williamson has said it is time for the Prime Minister ‘to come out of hiding and recall Parliament’ to deal with the disorder across the UK.
Sir Gavin wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Disorder and violence continue to tear through our country. More than 400 people have been arrested, livelihoods have been damaged, and fractures within our society have been laid bare. 
“That’s why it’s time for Keir Starmer to come out of hiding and recall Parliament.”
The Metropolitan Police has vowed to protect London from “one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade”, as more protests are due to take place on Wednesday.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “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 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.”
Nearly 250 refugee charities have signed a statement condemning anti-migrant violence and calling for a “turning point” away from the “demonising language of the past”.
The charities have called for urgent action to ensure that local authorities have the resources they need to protect “those under threat of attack in asylum accommodation, refugee service centres and places of worship”.
In the statement, published on Tuesday, the charities said: “As organisations based across the UK working with refugees and migrants, we are deeply shocked and devastated by these horrific acts of violence.
They added: “This moment must mark a turning point, away from the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past.
“Now is an opportunity to bring communities and the country together for a different way forward – one that is compassionate and united.”
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, will chair another emergency Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening on the continued action to tackle the violent disorder that has been taking place around the country, according to the PA news agency.
Relevant ministers and police chiefs will attend.
Protests have erupted across Britain after the killing of three young girls in Southport. On Monday, demonstrations entered their seventh day with mass gatherings in Plymouth, Birmingham, Belfast and Darlington. 
Following the protests, the Government’s independent reviewer of terror legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, has said politicians must not rush to class the riots as terrorism.
In an exclusive Telegraph poll of over 28,000 readers, 88 per cent agree with Mr Hall, who said on the BBC’s Today programme: “I think that you need to be cautious about applying counter-terrorism in effectively a live incident, it could be escalatory.”
Read the full story here
A new YouGov survey shows that nearly half of voters think that Sir Keir Starmer is handling the riots ‘badly’. 
According to the poll, 49 per cent of Britons think that the Prime Minister is handling the riots ‘badly’, whereas only 31 per cent believe that he is handling them ‘well’.
However, those surveyed have a more positive view when it comes the police’s handling of the riots.
Over half of Britons (52 per cent) believe that the police are handling the unrest well.
Tommy Robinson has said on X, formerly Twitter, that if it wasn’t for Elon Musk, he would’ve been “hung, drawn and quartered” by the Government.
If it wasn’t for Elon Musk. The government and legacy media would’ve had me hung, drawn and quartered, without reply, over their failings. https://t.co/K2UAFuMfBb
Elon Musk has branded the Prime Minister “two-tier Keir” in his latest comments on how widespread riots are being policed across the UK.
The owner of X, formerly Twitter, made the comments on the website in response to a video showing protesters hurling missiles at a pub in Birmingham, some of whom were masked and raising Palestinian flags.
A man has been charged with intending to stir up racial hatred relating to alleged posts on Facebook, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Jordan Parlour, from Seacroft, Leeds, is the first person to face prosecution for posting allegedly criminal messages linked to the riots.
Around 400 people attended a protest in Leeds City Centre on Saturday.
Nick Price, the 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.
Elon Musk has branded the Prime Minister “two-tier Keir” in the latest attack by the billionaire on how widespread riots are being policed across the UK.
The owner of X, formerly Twitter, made the comments on the website in response to a video showing protesters hurling missiles at a pub in Birmingham, some of whom were masked and raising Palestinian flags.
Mr Musk captioned the video with the message: “Why aren’t all communities protected in Britain?”
Read the full story here
Melanie Jones, the assistant chief constable, has said she “has no doubt there is a paramilitary element”, describing scenes of disorder in Belfast on Monday night following an anti-immigration protest.
Speaking at a press conference in Belfast, Ms Jones said: “What we saw last night, we feel was different from what we saw on Saturday. On Saturday, we saw mainly older adult people who became involved in disorder.
“Last night it was clear to us that there was a younger element, teenagers mainly, who were involved in the disorder, but that there was an element of organisation and orchestration from what appeared to be older adults present at the scene.
“I have no doubt there is a paramilitary element to this, but I am not in a position to say that this is the main organiser or orchestrator of these events. However, we do keep an open mind to this and this will be part of our investigative strategy.”
Nick Smart, the president of the Police Superintendents’ Association, has said he is “appalled and disgusted” by the violent disorder seen across the UK.
He  said: “I am appalled and disgusted by the continued displays of violence and disorder that have been seen across the country in recent days.
“What we have seen in areas such as Rotherham, Hull, Plymouth and many more… was mindless violence from people clearly intent on hurting others and damaging communities and property.”
He added: “Whatever has caused this – political ideologies or disinformation being spread online, it must stop. Along with every member of the police family, I call for communities, tech companies and those in power to come together against these displays of aggression, and to challenge false information that could be inflaming this.”
A man was knocked to the ground by a police officer carrying a riot shield during a night of violence in Plymouth, footage shows.
Devon and Cornwall Police officers wearing full riot gear and carrying protective shields are seen standing in a line when a man wearing a pink T-shirt approaches them.
As he stumbles towards the officers, one strikes him with a shield and the man appears to briefly lose his balance. The footage shows him then face the officer once more before being hit again, losing his footing and then dropping to the floor.
Read the full story here
Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, has written to religious leaders in the wake of violence across the UK to give an “absolute assurance” of support.
Violence sprung up in England and Northern Ireland in the past week as a result of anti-immigrant demonstrations that led to rioting following the killing of three young girls in Southport.
Mr Murray said in a statement: “I have today written to religious leaders to give them my absolute assurance that I will do everything possible to support them at this difficult time. 
“I know that the Chief Constable is aware of their concerns and has already taken steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Scotland’s communities.
“There is no place in Scotland for this sort of violence, hate and xenophobia. We simply will not tolerate it.”
The High Commission of India in London has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals in the UK, urging them to “stay vigilant” due to the ongoing riots.
The advisory comes after a series of disturbances in parts of the UK over the past week, which have raised concerns about the safety of Indian citizens and other immigrant communities. 
The advisory says: “The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. 
“Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise caution while travelling in the UK.”
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, to say that all of the children under their care that were injured during the Southport stabbing have been discharged.
We are really pleased to be able to share that all the children involved in last Monday’s awful incident in Southport who were under our care have now been safely discharged home from Alder Hey.Full statement: https://t.co/CmYwc5BDk1 pic.twitter.com/iUO0hijzzk
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the riots plaguing Britain’s streets as he chaired Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
According to Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “When I went to Southport I spoke to police who described what it was like to attend the mass stabbing of little girls and then to be back on duty the next day in riot gear, having bricks thrown at them.
“This is something no-one would have ever wanted to see and we need to be calling it out for what it is. It is not protest. It is violent disorder and needs to be treated as such, as criminal activity.
“99.9% of people across the country want their streets to be safe and to feel safe in their communities, and we will take all necessary action to bring the disorder to an end.”
Ayoub Khan, an Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, has said that the attack on a Birmingham pub by a group of Muslims was just a “natural reaction” to all the riots.
He said: “You can see why it’s being played out in that way… the stoking up of tension, the Islamophobic attitude.”
He added: “You’re not going to be able to control young men which are upset and angry… this is a natural reaction”.
“You’re not going to be able to control young men which are upset and angry … this is a natural reaction”.Astonishing to hear a sitting MP defend violent unrest like this.Plays right into the hands of the far right, and backs up the claim of inconsistent treatment. https://t.co/tTgGMXL1TO
People who are racist to NHS staff in health settings “can and should” be turned away from care, the Health Secretary has said.
Wes Streeting said the Government “will not tolerate” the continuation of violence seen in towns and cities across England in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings.
In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Streeting condemned the “mindless thuggery” seen on streets across Britain over the past week.
He said: “The Government will not tolerate the continuation of this mindless thuggery by far-right agitators in our country.”
“I was appalled by reports of violence directed towards Filipino nurses in Sunderland – these were nurses going into work to provide emergency care and their attackers bring shame on our flag and shame on our country.”
He added: “People who are abusing NHS staff can be turned away, and should be turned away, if that is the way that they are treating our staff.”
The two nurses were attacked on Friday evening as they travelled to work to provide emergency cover during unrest in Sunderland. According to reports, the taxi they were travelling in was pelted with rocks.
Police responding to riots were left “completely traumatised” and feared that they “would not make it home”, the Merseyside chief constable has said.
More than 80 officers were injured as violence erupted in Southport, Liverpool and Walton in the past six days.
Serena Kennedy, the chief constable of Merseyside Police, said officers responding to the knife attack and the subsequent protests were left “completely traumatised”.
After a vigil was held in the town following the knife attack, protesters who had gathered outside a mosque clashed with police with bricks and other missiles thrown at officers.
Read the full story here
Joshua Simpson, a self-employed builder, 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 that the incident happened as those involved in Sunday’s disorder were dispersing and that Simpson turned up by himself in the evening after seeing the incident unfold on a video.
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 Aug 27.
The judge said he could not rule out sending Simpson, who said he is currently homeless, to prison.
Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has said masked and armed protesters will face the “full force of the law” when causing violent disorder.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, she said: 
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’re protesting – if you turn up in a mask, with a weapon, intent on causing disorder, you will face the full force of the law.To those working with police and community organisations with pride and civic duty – you are the best of us.
James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, 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?”
Politicians must not rush to class the riots that have erupted across Britain as terrorism, the Government’s independent reviewer of terror legislation has said.
Jonathan Hall KC said caution must be exercised when invoking terrorism powers to a “live incident” as you may “end up with finger pointing at one group”.
Should the riots be classed as terrorism? Have your say below: 
Eight people were arrested last night as violent riots across the UK entered their seventh day.
Three police officers were injured when far-Right and anti-racism groups clashed in Plymouth, with six people arrested.
There were also disturbances outside a mosque in Darlington, where one person was detained.
In Birmingham, hundreds of Muslims, including men in balaclavas and masks, gathered around a local mosque and shops amid rumours of a planned march by the far-Right.
Meanwhile, in Belfast, riot officers were pelted with stones and petrol bombs and at least one police car was burned. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said one 15-year-old had been arrested
Staffordshire Police is appealing for help to identify rioters who attacked a police dog with a brick.
Vixen suffered a “nasty gash” and required medical treatment after she was hit in the eye with the object, the force said. 
Six officers were also injured while responding to violent disorder in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Staffordshire Police said: “We need your help to identify those responsible for striking one of our police dogs with a brick and injuring six officers in the violent disorder in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent.
“Vixen was bravely trying to stop one of the thugs when she was struck above her right eye with a brick. She suffered a nasty gash and required medical treatment. She is now recovering at home and expected to return to work in a couple of days.”
People involved in violent riots on the streets in the past week “defile the flag that they wrap themselves in”, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.
Justin Welby condemned the “criminal violence” seen in parts of the UK, which has involved attacks on mosques, assaults on police officers, and looting of shops.
The Church of England leader spoke of “manipulation” through social media and “by people abroad”, which he said must be “strongly resisted”.
He did not mention names but several other critics have condemned Tommy Robinson, the former English Defence League leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, for stoking tensions online while out of the country.
Mr Welby said people are being used in a “ridiculous, appalling and immoral” way as he spoke of the misinformation which had spread around the identity of the suspect in the Southport stabbings on July 29.
The owner of Holiday Inn has called for calm following attacks on several of its UK hotels housing asylum seekers over the weekend.
A spokesperson for InterContinental Hotels Group 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.”
A rioter who was bitten on the backside by a police dog cried in court as he admitted violent disorder.
At another court, a burglar who raided a library in one of Britain’s most deprived neighbourhoods said: “Nice one, lad” as he was led down to the cells.
A 14-year-old boy was watched by his father and uncle as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder after setting off fireworks at members of the public.
The convictions came as the first wave of suspects arrested following mass riots across the country appeared in court for the first time.
Read the full story here.
The Police Service of Northern has said its officers came under sustained attack from multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry and bricks in south Belfast over a number of hours on Monday night.
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.
Police deployed two attenuating energy projectiles (AEPs) with one rioter struck on the hand.
Meanwhile, a man in his 30s is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked in the Donegall Road and Oban Street area in a suspected hate crime.
Police said witnesses reported seeing his attackers stamp on his head as members of the public attempted to shield him from further attack.
A 15-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remained in police custody on Tuesday morning.
Politicians must not rush to class the riots that have erupted across Britain as terrorism amid fears it could be “escalatory”, the Government’s independent reviewer of terror legislation has said.
Jonathan Hall KC said caution must be exercised when invoking terrorism powers to a “live incident” as you may “end up with finger pointing at one group”.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “I think that you need to be cautious about applying counterterrorism in effectively a live incident, it could be escalatory and you’ll end up with finger pointing.  One group will start saying ‘well if you’re calling these people terrorists, why don’t you call these people terrorists.’”
South Yorkshire Police said six people, including two boys aged 16 and 17, would appear in court today charged in connection with the violence in Rotherham on Sunday.
They are all due before Sheffield magistrates’ court.
A spokesman for the force said: “Lee Crisp, 42, of Mount Road, Grimethorpe, Christopher Rodgers, 38, of Millmoor Road, Barnsley and Liam Grey, 20, of Randerson Drive are charged with violent disorder. 
“Two boys aged 16 and 17, who can’t be named for legal reasons, are also charged with violent disorder. Joshua Simpson, 26, of Sherbrook Street, Lincoln, is charged with violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker.
“They are all due to appear in Sheffield magistrates’ court today (Tuesday 6 August).
“Curtis Coulson, 30, of Water Slacks Road, Sheffield is charged with affray. He appeared before Sheffield magistrates’ court yesterday (Monday 5 August). He has been remanded into custody until his next court appearance on Friday (9 August).”
The Government will take a “very robust approach” to social media firms in the wake of the riots, Heidi Alexander said.
The justice minister told Sky News: “The idea that you can sit behind a computer screen or sit behind the screen of your mobile phone and somehow think that that protects you from the law is for the birds.
“So we will take a very robust approach to the social media companies, I know that Peter Kyle the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is already in conversation with them.
“There has been some welcome action where there has been automated removal of some false information, but I do think the social media companies could and should be doing more.
“They have got a moral responsibility not to be propagating and disseminating misleading and inflammatory content on their platforms.”
Courts sitting through the night to swiftly see rioters in the dock is something that “could possibly” start taking place across England, Heidi Alexander said.
The justice minister told LBC Radio: “The additional courts protocol is something that could possibly be invoked in different regions of the UK if the chief police officer and the chief prosecutor in that area decide that they want it.
“They make an application to the judiciary and so the judiciary indicated yesterday that they would be willing to consider any of those requests.
“It would mean that in the magistrates courts there could be longer sittings, sittings through the evening, the night, at weekends.”
Ms Alexander told LBC new prison places would come into use “next week” at HMP Stocken, Rutland, and also said spaces at Cookham Wood Young Offenders Institution in Kent would be used for adult prisoners.
Asked if rioters could be charged under terrorism laws, the minister said: “Charging decisions are for the Crown Prosecution Service. There will be a range of offences that have been committed, as I said both on the streets and online.”
Elon Musk and Sir Keir Starmer have clashed after the tech boss claimed that Britain was heading for civil war.
The billionaire owner of X, formerly Twitter, provoked a row with Downing Street over the riots that have engulfed UK cities amid accusations that social media is fuelling the unrest.
Read the full story here.
On Monday evening there were disturbances outside a mosque in the North Lodge Park area of Darlington. 
Far-Right supporters who had gathered in the area clashed with counter protesters before police came under attack. 
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “One person has been arrested following violent disorder in Darlington last night. 
“Officers were deployed to the North Lodge Park area after two large groups of mostly males had gathered shortly after 9pm, resulting in small pockets of serious violence.”
Heidi Alexander, the justice minister, 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.
She 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.”
Ministers continued to criticise Elon Musk for claiming “civil war” in the UK is “inevitable” as rioting continues.
Heidi Alexander, the justice minister, 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.”
Police officers have been injured during “sustained violence” in Plymouth as disorder continued for a seventh day after the Southport stabbings with more than 370 arrests made so far.
Devon and Cornwall Police said six arrests were made in Plymouth on Monday after “several officers” sustained minor injuries and two members of the public were taken to hospital.
It came after bricks and fireworks were launched towards officers who had attempted to keep rival demonstrations apart in the Devon port city.
In Southport, hundreds of people attended a peaceful vigil a week on from the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.