UK riots live: Thousands in anti-racist rallies as Tory councillor’s wife in court (2024)

Detectives investigating disorder in Whitehall release images of two men in fresh appeal

Detectives investigating the violent disorder that broke out in Whitehall on 31 July have released images of two men in a fresh appeal.

The Metropolitan Police said more than 100 arrests were made on the night and in the week since, with a huge amount of footage and other evidence reviewed in efforts to identify other suspects.

Anyone who recognises the men is urged to call the force on 101, to message @MetCC on X, or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Anyone calling or messaging should provide the reference 3414/10AUG and the number on the image.

Tara Cobham11 August 2024 01:00

Thousands of anti-racism protesters demonstrate outside Reform UK headquarters

Thousands of anti-racism protesters have gathered outside Reform UK’s headquarters with some accusing party leader Nigel Farage of spreading “dangerous rhetoric”.

Demonstrators joined Stand up to Racism’s gathering which met outside the party’s headquarters in Victoria, central London, chanting in support of refugees before marching through Whitehall and towards Trafalgar Square to listen to speeches from activists.

Organisers said the turnout of about 5,000 people showed the depth of support for refugees and other minority groups targeted in recent disorder, amid fears of further violence this weekend.

Jacob Freedland reports:

Tara Cobham11 August 2024 00:00

Police injured as petrol bombs and fireworks thrown during disorder in Derry

A number of police officers have been injured after petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry were thrown during disorder in Londonderry.

Police said they are liaising with community representatives to prevent further escalation after disorder erupted in Nailors Row.

The PSNI appealed to parents and guardians to take their children home.

They warned that the disorder is presenting a “serious risk” to the safety of residents in the area.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 23:44

Met release statement over claims GB News crew was ‘attacked’ at counter-protest

Police have released a statement over a GB News reporter’s claim his broadcast had been interrupted after a demonstrator “attacked” one of the crew as protesters marched down Whitehall.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday evening, the Metropolitan Police said: “A video has been shared online showing an incident involving a GB News camera crew and a protester in Whitehall earlier today.

“It is important that the press are able to report freely, including at protests, without being subject to harassment, abuse or intimidation.

“The footage released appears to show a protester trying to obstruct a GB News camera crew as they reported, by putting his hand up to the lens.

“As he does so, a man who was working as security for the camera crew intervenes and pushes him away.

“Officers moved in quickly to prevent any further escalation. No allegations were made at the time and both parties went their separate ways.

“We have confirmed with GB News that they do not wish to take the matter further.”

Officers said no arrests had been made.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 23:38

Detectives investigating Merseyside riots issue new images in appeal for eight more people

Detectives investigating the riots that erupted in Merseyside have issued new images in an appeal for eight more people.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: "These eight males need to make themselves known as soon as possible, as we think they could assist our ongoing investigations into the incidents of disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

"The violence and damage caused last week and at the weekend was despicable, and each and every person who took part can expect to face the consequences of their actions.

"We are still working through hours of footage and reams of images as it comes in and we’ll continue to arrest, charge and put before the courts anyone identified.

"We have so far seen 52 people arrested, 26 charged and eight jailed. There will be more to follow in the coming days, and many people who have not yet had a visit from our officers can expect one soon.

"The courts have acted swiftly to jail those people who bring violence, racism and hatred into our communities and that will continue into next week.

"To anyone intent on bringing violence and disorder to Merseyside in the future: don’t. You will join the ever-growing list of people convicted and jailed for bringing violent disorder to our streets."

If you recognise any of the people pictured, contact us @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000663787.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 23:00

Thousands turn out at anti-racist counter-protests held across UK

Thousands of people have responded to a rallying cry to “stop the far-right”, turning out at anti-racist counter-protests being held across the UK for a national day of protest.

Anti-fascist group Stand Up to Racism said more than 50 demonstrations took place on Saturday, with huge crowds gathering in towns and cities such as London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

Police were braced for further violence ahead of the weekend, following more than a week of nationwide riots – but the far-right ended up being outnumbered by anti-racists everywhere, or not appearing at all, according to the organisation.

In the capital, as many as 5,000 anti-racist protesters assembled outside Reform UK’s London office to accuse the party’s leader Nigel Farage of “inciting fascist rioters”, before marching on Whitehall in support of refugees.

Stand Up to Racism reported that hundreds, if not thousands, also gathered in many more towns and cities across the UK, including in the Scottish capital, Cambridge, Glasgow, Exeter, Sheffield, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hastings, Oxford, Manchester, and other areas of London – bringing the total number of anti-racist demonstrators potentially to the tens of thousands.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 22:01

Justice system will feel long-term fallout from riots, says Justice Secretary

The impact of days of disorder will be “felt for months and years” in the criminal justice system, the Justice Secretary has said.

Shabana Mahmood said the riots will set back the new Labour Government’s efforts to fix the justice system, which was already facing a massive backlog of court cases and dwindling space in prisons.

The Ministry of Justice has risen to the challenge of “bringing rapid charges against these thugs and hooligans”, including by bringing forward more than 500 prison places to make sure there is space for those the courts are sending to custody, Ms Mahmood wrote in The Observer.

Helen Corbett reports:

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 22:00

Two men charged with violent disorder after protest in Aldershot

Two men have been charged with violent disorder after a protest in Aldershot, Hampshire Police said.

Officers were called to the demonstration outside the Potters International Hotel on July 31.

A police spokesman said that while the majority of people gathered in a peaceful manner, some disorder was reported and one officer suffered a minor injury.

On Saturday, Jamie Lee Turvey, 34, of Montgomery Road, Farnborough, and Alby Brannan, 18, of Winchester Road, Ash, were charged with violent disorder.

They will appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday August 13.

Five other men who were charged with violent disorder on Friday will also appear in court on Tuesday: Joe Howell, 19, of Bareham Drive, Ash; Kieron Marney, 25, of Fairview Road, Ash; Perrie Fisher, 28, of Hillside Road, Farnham; Cameron Bowling, 40, of Broadhurst, Farnborough; and Clive Patfield, 60, of The Chantrys, Farnham.

Howell was also charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 21:20

Starmer scraps family holiday as Government focuses on response to riots

Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled his holiday plans as the Government continues to focus on its response to days of unrest.

The Prime Minister had been expected to set off on a summer break to Europe this weekend with his family.

But he will work from Number 10 and Chequers this weekend and next week, the PA news agency understands.

On Friday, Sir Keir reiterated that police should remain on “high alert” this weekend.

He told broadcasters a ramped-up police response after days of disorder and swiftly moving cases through the courts had had an impact, but his message was to stay on “high alert” to “make sure our communities are safe and secure and feel safe and secure”.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 20:05

GB News reporter claims broadcast interrupted after demonstrator ‘attacked’ crew

As protesters marched down Whitehall on Saturday, a GB News reporter said his broadcast had been interrupted after a demonstrator “attacked” one of the crew.

Charlie Peters, who said he had been reporting on the “mostly peaceful” protest since it started, told PA: “As we approached Downing Street one of the protesters recognised us as GB News and people started chanting ‘GB News off our streets’.

“One man got close and started gesticulating towards the camera while we were filming and tried to stop us broadcasting. In doing so, he then attacked one of my colleagues.

“It’s a shame that journalists have to have security arrangements while broadcasting in central London.”

A man was briefly removed from the march by police.

Officers said no arrests had been made.

Tara Cobham10 August 2024 19:15