Police forces across the country are gearing up for a fresh wave of protests following Monday's violent attack in Southport. This is a live blog and updates will appear below. Police in Bristol have extra powers to deal with violence on the streets, anticipating flashpoints.
Multiple events are planned for the weekend with many set to take to the streets in anti-immigration protests, with troubling flaring in Sunderland city centre on Friday evening. Police forces up and down the UK say they are upping patrols, while the Muslim Council of Britain says it is strengthening security measures on mosques.
It comes after hundreds of thugs, many believed to be from the far-right, brought terror to the streets of grieving Southport on Tuesday night, where louts damaged a mosque, hurled bricks and injured more than 50 police officers. The clash was followed by more unrest the following evening, with events in central London as well as Hartlepool, Manchester and Aldershot, reports The Mirror.
Fury was sparked amongst anti-immigration mobs after misinformation was spread regarding the identity of a 17-year-old boy charged with the murders of three girls and attempted murders of ten others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event on Monday. The suspect, named as Axel Rudakubana appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday charged over the attacks.
More than 100 people have been arrested over disorder during protests ensuing from Monday's attack. Authorities in Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Northern Ireland and Lancashire have already said they are aware of planned events on Saturday, with more expected. Many of the events are expected to see counter-protests.
The PA news agency has found evidence of at least 15 protests advertised online, some calling for participants to take England flags, and a number containing phrases such as "enough is enough", "save our kids" or "stop the boats".
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned "far-right hatred" in the wake of the Southport stabbings as he announced a new "national" response to the violent disorder. Keir said: "The far right are showing who they are - we have to show who we are in response to that."
Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Alguiar died after they were attacked at Monday's dance and yoga event. Eight children and two adults, dance instructor Leanne Lucas, 35, and Johnathan Hayes, 63, were also injured.
Key Events
Man knocked unconscious in Blackpool
The protest in Blackpool moved towards St John's Square where punks attending the Rebellion festival were gathered.
There was little, if any, police presence when skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and punks, with bottles and chairs being thrown and wood wielded.
In one clash, a man was knocked unconscious when he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground.
Another man drove his motorbike at the crowd before officers arrived.
Sir Keir Starmer blasts 'the extremists on our streets'
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "This afternoon the Prime Minister convened senior Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, Justice Secretary and the Policing Minister to discuss the incidents of public disorder and unrest we have seen in towns and cities in recent days.
“The Prime Minister began by thanking the police who responded to the violence committed by a small minority of thugs in Sunderland last night which injured four officers. Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen today, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.
“The Home Secretary updated on the ongoing police response to outbreaks of disorder. She said we will work with them to ensure there are consequences, arrests and prosecutions for those responsible. The Justice Secretary added that already offenders who have committed violence over the last few days have been remanded in custody and the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible.
“The Deputy Prime Minister said we are working with local authorities to ensure members of the community who have been targeted by thuggish extremists have the support they need. The Prime Minister ended by saying the right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things. He said there is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe."
Supermarket forced to close after it is "stormed" by a gang of masked yobs
A Manchester city centre supermarket has been forced to shut after it was 'stormed' by a gang of masked yobs this afternoon.
Tensions have flared as hundreds of protesters descended on Manchester for a series of protests today (Saturday). Around 150 people joined one protest - entitled 'Stand Up For Your Country: Enough is Enough' - while a counter rally was attended by 350 demonstrators.
Fighting later broke out in Piccadilly Gardens while metal fences were ripped down by protesters. Several people were seen being detained by police.
At about 3.25pm today, a group of men wearing masks and balaclavas were seen running down Mosley Street chanting the name of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Eyewitnesses said some of the group then ran into a Sainsbury's Local store before 'grabbing items and throwing them'. After leaving the shop, the men were chased by police wearing riot gear, who managed to kettle them outside Manchester Art Gallery.
Police dealing with 'pockets of disorder' as protesters and riot police swarm Stoke-on-Trent
Hundreds of protesters are on the streets of Hanley as around 100 officers, riot vans and dog units are dealing with "disorder"
Staffordshire Police force has released a short statement on the scenes of protest in Hanley, saying officers are dealing with "pockets of disorder".
In a post through the force's Stoke-on-Trent Police Facebook page, the statement says further updates will be provided to keep residents informed.
The statement says: "We are aware of pockets of disorder in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, today (Saturday, August 3). Members of the public are advised to avoid the area while officers deal with the incident. We will continue to provide updates on this page."
It comes as hundreds of demonstrators and around 100 police officers - many wearing riot gear - are swarming the city centre.
Demonstrators have descended on Hanley, as the country was warned of planned 'far-right' protests across nation today.
Marchers draped in football flags - some covering their faces - have swarmed the streets chanting and facing up to riot police, who have been deployed in large numbers to Hanley.
Stoke-on-Trent's MPs have also released a statement condemning the disorder and describing the participants as 'far-right extremists'. In a statement issued by Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell, along with the city's other two Labour MPs, Dr Alison Gardner, Stoke-on-Trent South, and David Williams, Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, the protesters were told 'you are not welcome in Stoke-on-Trent.
Police Service of Northern Ireland continues to deal with 'sporadic disorder'
Police forces everywhere are addresing the media after another long day of riots - some of which may continue into the night.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: "We have dealt with a number of protest sites across Northern Ireland today, including a significant protest and counter protest at Belfast City Hall
“Many of these caused disruption to the road network. A number of roads, including the M5, Wellington Place and Shore Road were closed for a short period of time.
"We continue to deal with protest activity and sporadic disorder in the South Belfast area and are aware of a number of reports of criminal damage which we are currently treating as hate crimes.
"An investigation has commenced and to date we have made two arrests. We would like to thank the community for their patience in respect of the disruption they faced and also place on record our support for the community leaders who worked to resolve the situation."
Hull riot escalates with fires set across city as protesters clash with police
Rioting has escalated in Hull with multiple fires being set across the city as protesters clash with riot police.
Hundreds of demonstrators descended on the city today for a planned protest only to be met with a heavy police presence.
Humberside Police Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore said: “We currently have a high policing presence whilst officers respond to disorder that is taking place in the area of Ferensway following a protest that began this afternoon.
“Our officers have faced eggs and bottles being thrown and have made four arrests relating to public order offences. We have also issued a dispersal order for the area and there will remain a visible police presence as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those in the community."
The force confirmed three officers "are believed to have suffered injuries'' at this stage.
Hull riot escalates with fires set across city as protesters clash with police
Those responsible 'will be arrested,' police warn
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "This behaviour, which puts the public and our officers in harms way, will not be tolerated. And we will be arresting those responsible."
Bricks were thrown at a group of police officers from all directions at Mann Island in Liverpool.
A masked youth threw a brick at the back of a police officer as she held her riot shield in the other direction. A scooter was also thrown.
Images show rubble at the feet of officers under attack in Liverpool
Rubble lies at the feet of police officers in this image.
Protesters have today hurled objects, including bricks and chairs, at the officers.
A pile of car tyres has been set on fire in Hull amid the riots
Bins have been set on fire in Hull city centre. Riot police can be seen with extinguishers attempting to tackle the blazes.
Hull Live has contacted Humberside Fire and Rescue for comment.
Fires started in Hull.#EnoughIsEnough #Hull pic.twitter.com/EWhFtVlLip
— battlewithborderline (@battlewithbord1) August 3, 2024
Humberside Police confirm arrests and four officers injured
Three police officers have been injured and four people arrested amid disorder in Hull city centre, Humberside Police said.
Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore said: “We currently have a high policing presence whilst officers respond to disorder that is taking place in the area of Ferensway following a protest that began this afternoon.
“Our officers have faced eggs and bottles being thrown and have made four arrests relating to public order offences. We have also issued a dispersal order for the area and there will remain a visible police presence as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those in the community.
"I can confirm that we have not deployed tear gas contrary to speculation in the media. I continue to advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time."
Merseyside Police confirm 'a number of officers' have been injured
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "A number of officers have been injured as they deal with serious disorder in Liverpool city centre. This behaviour, which puts the public and our officers in harms way, will not be tolerated. And we will be arresting those responsible."
A number of officers have been injured as they deal with serious disorder in Liverpool city centre. This behaviour, which puts the public and our officers in harms way, will not be tolerated. And we will be arresting those responsible pic.twitter.com/Y0poE7AoSi
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) August 3, 2024
Sunderland laments 'devastating situation' for its community
Speaking after last night's unrest, Denise Irving, chief officer at Citizens Advice Sunderland, said: "This is a devastating situation for our local community.
"Our primary focus will be ensuring we can continue to support those who need our help.
"Our regular office in Waterloo Place will be closed as the damage is investigated.
"But our staff and volunteers from Waterloo Place will be at the City Hall in Sunderland from Monday, and our Washington office will be open as usual so we're still there for people."
Anti-immigration demo in Doncaster fails miserably
There is widespread chaos - but a planned anti-immigration demo in Doncaster passed quietly after only one protester turned up.
Planned anti-immigration demo in Doncaster passes quietly after only one protester turns up https://t.co/o4atHaoF7K pic.twitter.com/FsKMJnLEE7
— Doncaster Free Press (@DonnyFreePress) August 3, 2024
Drone restrictions introduced in Liverpool
Flight restrictions affecting drones have been imposed in Liverpool city centre while officers deal with disorder today.
A temporary airspace restriction, known as an Emergency Restriction of Flying (ERF), was put in place at 2.54pm, to last until 5pm on 5 August, meaning it will be an offence for any aircraft to fly below 2,000ft above sea level in a designated area (within 1.5 nautical miles of the Royal Liver Building), without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police.
Drone and aircraft users flying inside the Restricted Airspace that have not been granted permission will be guilty of committing an offence and could be prosecuted.
Public warned after razor blades found under far-right extremist stickers at train station
British Transport Police have urged the public to be vigilant after a commuter discovered a razor blade hidden underneath a far-right extremist sticker at a train station.
Images of the stickers and blade were shared on social media by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. They wrote: "It has been brought to our attention that dangerous stickers have been discovered at a railway station that, once removed, have razor blades stuck to them. Please take extreme care and do not attempt to remove them."
The stickers, which have National Front branding with the initials 'NF' and the slogan 'Rights for Whites' on them, were discovered near Dunton Green train station, a small village in the Sevenoaks District of Kent. A member of the public located it and discovered a razor blade hidden underneath. According to reports, the sticker was found affixed to a light fitting in the tunnel.
Local authorities have warned the public that there has been "an increasing level of far right propaganda" in the village, but urged people not to panic. The appearance of the sticker comes amid a rise in far-right activity across the UK, following a stabbing in Southport on Monday, which saw three young girls killed and several more injured at a dance class.
Public warned after razor blades found under far-right extremist stickers at train station
Violence continues to flare in Belfast
Violence has flared in Belfast and businesses have been attacked after an anti-immigration protest moved through the city.
Police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy confrontation between the protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist rally at the City Hall during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.
The anti-Islamic demonstration then travelled towards the university area of the city where there were clashes with residents of the Lower Ormeau area.
A number of social messages during the week had been shared asking for people to gather and block roads in the greater Belfast area and elsewhere in the wake of the murders of three young children in Southport.
In response, an anti-racist counter-protest was organised for the City Hall, with hundreds of people attending, shouting anti-Nazi slogans and chanting in favour of immigration. A number of people waved Palestinian flags and trade union banners at the event.
Sausages among items thrown towards counter-protesters in Nottingham
Bottles, cans and sausages were thrown towards counter-protesters in Nottingham as two opposing groups faced each other in King Street.
Counter-protesters chanted "free Palestine" as those opposite them waved St George flags.
More police arrived to separate the two groups and officers were told to turn on their bodycams.
Police officers injured in the fracas in Liverpool city centre
A number of police officers have been injured in the violence in Liverpool city centre.
One female officer was abused by the mob as she sat slumped against a wall being treated by colleagues.
Extra officers have been drafted in as riot police continue to force the thugs away from the Liver building area down towards Albert Dock.
Bricks thrown at a group of police officers in Liverpool and a punch is thrown
Bricks were thrown at a group of police officers from all directions at Mann Island in Liverpool.
A masked youth threw a brick at the back of a police officer as she held her riot shield in the other direction. A scooter was also thrown.
One man collapsed to the floor after being punched. Officers moved to surround him as he lay on the floor and his head was bandaged.
How severe are the riots? What towns and cities are affected today?
Protests have turned into violent skirmishes - again - as far-right activists have clashed with police in at least eight towns and cities.
The severest of the disorder this afternoon has been in Liverpool, where hugs pelted riot police with bricks, bottles and flares, and smashed a police van's windscreen with missiles. In Manchester, demonstrators have clashed with officers.
Bricks were thrown at officers in Stoke-on-Trent, fireworks were thrown amid tense exchanges between an anti-Islamic group and an anti-racism rally in Belfast, and windows of a hotel which has been used to house migrants were smashed in Hull.
Scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other in Nottingham's Market Square with bottles and other items thrown from both sides, and chants of "England until I die" and "Tommy Robinson" were drowned out by boos from the counter-protesters.
Around 150 people carrying St George's flags shouting "you're not English any more" and "paedo Muslims off our street" were greatly outnumbered in Leeds by hundreds of counter-protesters shouting "Nazi scum off our streets". There has also been commotion in Blackpool.
Earlier on Saturday, it was not possible to search "Tommy Robinson" on TikTok, and the social media platform instead showed the message: "This phrase may be associated with behaviour or content that violates our guidelines."
Police officers try to restrain a protester in Liverpool
Police van windscreen smashed by yobs in Liverpool
The windscreen of a police van was smashed as bricks and plastic barriers were thrown in Liverpool.
Bricks were pelted at the vans and officers by youths with their faces covered.
Riot officers then ran at the group to move them back, before backing away as more bricks were thrown.
Two boys aged just 11 and 14 arrested for 'violent disorder'
Cleveland Police have said two boys - 11 and 14 - have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
The boys, from Hartlepool, County Durham are currently in custody.
Two boys, 11 and 14, have today been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder as police enquiries continue into the incidents in #Hartlepool earlier in the week.
— Cleveland Police (@ClevelandPolice) August 3, 2024
The boys, both from Hartlepool, are currently in custody facing questioning. pic.twitter.com/gpUYmjWr2c
'If the Far Right gave a damn about our kids, they'd be outside the BBC'
Southport. Hartlepool. Durham. Hull. Middlesborough. Stoke on Trent.
All of them places where Huw Edwards has never been, but the Far Right are heading to this weekend in order to "save our kids".
That's what they chanted outside Downing Street, where no paedophile has, so far as we know, ever been in charge. In Southport they shouted "stop the boats", while smashing up streets where people were reeling from the shock of child murders.
Boats, and Keir Starmer, even paedophiles, had nothing to do with the murders of three young children and attempted murders of 10 more at a holiday playscheme last week. But there are some quite happy to desecrate those tiny bodies further, for their own violent ends.
It was a violation of those children's corpses when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested the public weren't being told whether the alleged killer was a suspected terrorist. He talked about the shocking state of law and order, in such a way he made Southport more lawless.
'If the Far Right gave a damn about our kids, they'd be outside the BBC'
Every protest planned around Britain today amid fears of violence - check your area to stay safe
Dozens of protests are planned around the country - with some already underway - this weekend following misinformation spouted online in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
Hundreds of people have already gathered in Manchester city centre where a rally organised by far-right group Enough is Enough and a counter-demonstration has been arranged. Protesters in the former group have chanted "save the kids" after false information was spread online about the suspect arrested in connection with the deaths of three little girls in Southport, Merseyside.
At least 20 other demonstrations have also been planned by far-right activists today alone, and a further five protests are scheduled tomorrow - four of which are believed to be planned by far-right activists. Others include "peaceful vigils" to Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who were killed at a dance party on Monday in Southport.
Police forces are on high alert across the country, particularly after violence broke out at the first of these weekend protests - held in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, on Friday evening. Eight people were arrested there and three police officers needed treatment in hospital for various injuries.
Every protest planned around Britain today amid fears of violence - check your area to stay safe
Riot in Manchester sparks clashes between police and protesters
Fighting has broken out in Manchester amid a series of protests in the city as riots start to gear up across the UK.
Footage showed scuffles breaking out in Piccadilly Gardens this afternoon. A number of punches were thrown and metal fences were hurled as police could be seen attempting to keep order.
Today, Greater Manchester Police said a dispersal notice had been authorised for the city centre and Merseyside Police said greater stop and search powers had been granted for officers to deal with planned demonstrations on Saturday. Around 15 people joined a protest called 'Stand Up For Your Country: Enough is Enough', the Manchester Evening News reported. A further 350 demonstrators attended a counter-protest.
Riot in Manchester sparks clashes between police and protesters
Right-wing thugs pelt riot police with bricks, bottles and flares
Right wing thugs are pelting riot police with bricks, bottles and flares.
Hundred have now gathered in Liverpool city centre and the violence is escalating,
Police have formed a barrier on The Strand close to the Liverpool One shopping centre - with desperate motorists u-turning to escape the chaos.
They are facing off against a large crowd of masked men who are jeering while hurling objects at them.
Police clash with right wing protesters in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester
Labour responds to Priti Patel's calls for Parliament to be recalled
Labour says the Prime Minister has taken steps to show yobs "we will not permit a breakdown of law and order".
Now, a Labour spokesperson has said in response to the call: "This week the PM took action to show the thugs attempting to sow hate and disorder in our communities that we will not permit a breakdown of law and order on our streets".
Priti Patel, the former secretary, called for parliament to be recalled in the wake of the riots.
Tensions begin to simmer over in Blackpool town centre
Tensions begin to simmer over in Blackpool town centre.
Punks - in town for the annual Rebellion festival - squared off against men in football shirts, separated only by police.
"England till I die" and "we want our country back", crowds chanted, alongside "oh, Tommy Robinson" and "protect our kids".
"Where the f*** were you in Leeds?" others shouted.
Counter-protesters returned verbal volleys of "Nazi scum off our streets" as bottles were thrown and minor skirmishes broke out.
One woman holding a placard saying "Thugs (and) racists not welcome" had it torn from her hands as crowds pushed from the town hall to the Metropole and as sirens filled the summer air.
#Blackpool pic.twitter.com/6128jNjjrk
— Hal (@xTiberias) August 3, 2024
