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UK riots live: Travel warnings issued to tourists in Britain as almost 400 arrested

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Home secretary’s warning to rioters: ‘You are a total disgrace and there will be reckoning’

Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all issued travel alerts to their nationals visiting the UK as far-right violence sweeps across the country.

Australia’s government advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution”, adding: “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”

Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs warned nationals that the violence had “assumed dangerous proportions” and there was “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”.

It comes as almost 400 people have been arrested over the violence, 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.

Speaking after the meeting, the prime minister said: “We will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them.”

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

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Pictured: People gather for vigil in Southport

Children blew bubbles as others placed flowers and heart-shaped balloons in front of The Atkinson arts centre in remembrance of the victims of the stabbing attack.

Families have gathered at a vigil in Southport a week on from the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Members of the public at a floral tribute left outside Southport’s Town Hall ahead of a vigil in memory of three children who were killed in a knife attack last Monday
Members of the public at a floral tribute left outside Southport’s Town Hall ahead of a vigil in memory of three children who were killed in a knife attack last Monday (Ryan Jenkinson/PA Wire)
Young children play with bubble wands amongst floral tribute left outside the Town Hall in Southport, ahead of a vigil on Monday evening
Young children play with bubble wands amongst floral tribute left outside the Town Hall in Southport, ahead of a vigil on Monday evening (Ryan Jenkinson/PA Wire)

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 18:21

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Three convicted for Sunderland violence

Two men and a woman have been convicted for their roles in the violent disorder that took place in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, last Friday.

Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the disgraceful scenes last Friday evening.

Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, and Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington both admitted the offence when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside today (Monday).

Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, admitted the same offence when appearing at Newcastle Crown Court. All three offenders have been remanded in custody until they are due to be sentenced.

Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the disgraceful scenes last Friday evening.
Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the disgraceful scenes last Friday evening. (Supplied)

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 18:17

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Countries issue safety warnings over travel to UK amid riots

Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all issued travel alerts to their nationals visiting the UK as far-right violence sweeps across the country.

Australia’s government advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution”, adding: “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”

Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs warned nationals that the violence had “assumed dangerous proportions” and there was “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”.

Malaysia’s High Commission said: “Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”

The Indonesian embassy in London meanwhile advised its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 18:04

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‘Far-right thuggery’ is unacceptable, justice secretary says

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The far-right thuggery we have witnessed on our streets is completely unacceptable and contrary to the British notion of rule of law.

“The Prime Minister has been clear from the outset that those involved should expect to face the full force of our justice system.

“My message to anyone who chooses to take part in this violence is simple. The police, courts and prisons stand ready and you will face the consequences of these appalling acts.”

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 17:48

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Businesses close early ahead of Plymouth protest

Bars, restaurants and businesses in Plymouth have closed early ahead of two planned protests in the city on Monday evening.

Campaign group Stand Up To Racism is set to demonstrate at Guildhall Square from 6pm, with a “stop the boats” protest organised for 7pm.

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 17:36

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‘We were in fear’: Rotherham residents after horror of far-right asylum hotel attack

When far-right rioters started throwing bottles at police officers guarding an asylum seeker hotel, local resident Becky Brunt decided it was time for her family to flee the area.

She had been watching the chaos unfold streets away from her estate on a TikTok live stream and as the crowds grew around their home she decided it would be safer to stay with her mother-in-law in Sheffield.

The family returned when the violence had died down at around midnight on Sunday night. And the next morning they spoke to The Independent from outside the hotel where they were clearing up after the devastation.

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 17:22

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Police will become ‘fatigued’

Police officers will have their rest days cancelled as they face violence some have never seen before amid the riots – and they will become “fatigued” at some point, the Police Federation has said.

Broken bones and concussion are among the injuries police officers have suffered over six days of disorder which has seen hundreds of arrests in the wake of a knife attack in Southport last week which left three girls dead, the federation said.

It is not yet known how many police officers have been injured during the disorder.

Tiffany Lynch, acting national chairwoman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, told Times Radio: “What we’re actually seeing and our officers out there that are working incredibly hard for extended periods of duty, is unprecedented, and the violence that they’re actually facing, some have never faced before in their careers.

“We know of recorded injuries where we’ve had broken bones, concussion and such like, but we’re also seeing that these officers are working extended long hours and with the level of violence that they’re facing, they will be becoming fatigued at some point.”

Alexander Butler5 August 2024 17:18

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Officers being ‘run ragged’ with rest days and leave cancelled

Brian Booth, deputy national chair of the Police Federation, told The Independent that front line officers are “absolutely being run ragged” doing 18 hour shifts as they face their sixth day of far-right unrest.

Officer morale was low before the rallies, he said, adding: “On top of this now some are not able to take annual leave with their families and having rest days cancelled to work long hours in very dangerous conditions.

“They will step up to the plate and do their duties without fear or favour to the best of their abilities but there has to be some recognition of that down the line.”

While forces are “well resourced” to cope with any further clashes, he said the long-term impact will be officers taken away from community policing as they dedicate thousands of hours to gathering evidence to secure convictions against rioters.

“All these offences of arson, assault and GBH, they will need to be investigated and evidence gathered and put before the courts and that takes officers time,” he added.

“I think we are in a really good position to deal with the here and now, the downside of this is the future months and months compiling evidence.”

Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 17:06

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Northern Ireland Assembly to be recalled

The Northern Ireland Assembly is set to be recalled to discuss violent scenes following an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday.

MLAs will gather on Thursday at 12 noon to discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days.

The motion also “rejects all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism; endorses the work of voluntary sector organisations combatting racism and supporting those impacted by it; recognises the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other public sector bodies protecting our communities during the recent unrest; calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to finalise the draft Refugee Integration Strategy and associated Thematic Delivery Plan and present it to the Executive; and further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set-out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 by the end of 2024”.

Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 16:55

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Nursing union condemns far-right race riots

Responding to what she called the “far-right race riots in recent days”, Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “Migrant nursing staff are precious members of our communities, hardwired into the very DNA of our health and care services – we ask Government to ensure that anybody targeting them pays a very heavy price.

“Whether in their first months working here, or after decades working in our health system, our international colleagues are welcome, valued and owed a debt of gratitude.

“These scenes around the country are nothing short of despicable racism – they have no place in our society and we join fully in the condemnation of them. As an anti-racist organisation, the RCN will take a lead part in tackling this hatred wherever it rears its head.

“Employers have a duty of care to keep their staff safe at work. That includes those working in hospitals, but also those delivering care alone in community settings. Health leaders need to act urgently to reassure staff, review risk assessments and implement any measures necessary to keep workers safe.

“Nursing staff of every nationality and ethnic heritage are holding the health service together, dealing with the fallout of these racist attacks. They are a credit to our profession and a powerful reminder of the strength we find in diversity and unity.”

Athena Stavrou5 August 2024 16:47

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