UK riots live: Far-right mob lay siege to Rotherham migrant hotel as windows smashed and police attacked

A far-right mob have laid siege to a Rotherham hotel used to house migrants as police brace for more violence across the UK on Sunday.

Masked rioters, some draped in England flags, assembled outside a Holiday Express hotel in Manvers, South Yorkshire, as they clashed with police.

Trouble has began to flare as rioters violently clash with police, throwing bricks and smashing windows. One police officer seems to be injured amid the chaos.

Footage shared on social media shows rioters attempting to storm the hotel by shattering the glass front.

It comes after at least 90 people were arrested after riots rocked major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and Stoke on Saturday, leaving destruction in their wake.

A library was torched in Liverpool, Merseyside, after “violent thugs” descended on it and left part of the building reduced to ash.

Meanwhile, shoe shops, vape shops and cafes were destroyed in other towns and cities. In Belfast, a Syrian cafe owner said he had “no words” after his business was destroyed.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said authorities are prepared for people to “try and do this again in the coming days”.

Key Points

• Far-right mob gather outside Rotherham hotel

• About 90 arrested in Saturday’s far-right clashes

• Liverpool library torched

• In pics: Far-right protesters clash with police in Bristol

• Two officers taken to hospital and six arrested after Liverpool riot

Pictured: Injured police officer dragged away by colleagues as tempers flare in Rotherham

14:10 , Jabed Ahmed

Anti-racism counter-protesters gather in Rotherham

14:10 , Jabed Ahmed

A group a anti-racism protesters have gathered in Rotherham.

There is also anti-immigration supporters outside a Holiday Inn Express.

There is a heavy police presence at the hotel, where some demonstrators are wearing masks and waving flags.

Violent clashes between police and protesters in Rotherham

14:08 , Jabed Ahmed

Trouble is beginning to flare in Rotherham as protests turn to violent clashes between police and demonstrators.

Masked thugs can be seen hurling objects in the direction of police officers as they smashed a window outside the Holiday Inn Express.

One police officer seems to be injured amid the chaos.

Dispersal notice in Bolton authorised by police

14:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Greater Manchester Police said a section 34 dispersal notice has been authorised covering Bolton until 10pm on Sunday.

Under a Section 34 notice, officers have extra powers to deal with anyone causing anti-social behaviour in defined areas and the force said officers will be able to instruct and advise anyone who is causing – or very likely to cause – harassment, alarm, or distress to leave an area immediately.

Chief Inspector Natasha Evans said: “These powers have been authorised in response to increased protest activity. We have been working with organisers of pre-planned protests to help facilitate peaceful and lawful protests, to prevent serious disruption and ensure everyone can go about their lives without fear or risk of harm.

“We will continue to have an increased police presence around these areas to deal with any incidents that may arise, and with these additional powers, officers are more equipped to intervene early to ensure people feel safe and are safe.”

Pictured: Protesters at Potters International Hotel in Aldershot

13:50 , Jabed Ahmed

Hull Volunteers in clean-up operation following demonstrations

13:40 , Jabed Ahmed

Volunteers who turned up armed with brushes this morning to clean up the mess made during last night’s disorder are “what Hull is all about”, a councillor for the city has said.

Jack Haines, who is the portfolio holder for communities, said his community is “tolerant” and “united”.

“It was a privilege to join so many people who love their city and want to clean up the mess that had been made,” he said.

“On behalf of the council, I’d like to thank the selfless volunteers who cleaned the streets in the wake of yesterday’s violence. They are what Hull is all about. They make me proud of our great city.

“The disorder of yesterday doesn’t represent us – Hull is a friendly and welcoming city, where people from all backgrounds choose to live and settle.

“Hull is open, Hull is tolerant and Hull is united, we will move on from yesterday’s events and my thanks go to all those who helped us through it.”

No place for racism in Northern Ireland, minister says

13:31 , Jabed Ahmed

Stormont’s Justice Minister Naomi Long has said there can be no place for “xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia” in Northern Ireland.

Ms Long commended the PSNI for their response to disturbances in Belfast on Saturday and sent her best wishes to officers who were injured.

She said: “I utterly condemn the violence that we saw yesterday on the streets of Belfast. These demonstrations were orchestrated by those motivated by a desire to create fear and division. They have no regard for human life and are focused on spreading misinformation and disinformation to alienate some sections of our community.

“This type of disorder needs to be highlighted for what it is – fearmongering and intimidation of the highest level.”

Far-right mob gather outside Rotherham hotel

13:21 , Alexander Butler

A far-right mob has gathered outside a Rotherham hotel used to house migrants as police brace for more violence across the UK on Sunday.

Masked rioters, some draped in England flags, assembled outside a Holiday Express hotel in Manvers, South Yorkshire, as they clashed with police.

It comes after at least 90 people were arrested after riots rocked major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and Stoke on Saturday, leaving destruction in their wake.

Pictured: Damage to Liverpool library

12:51 , Alexander Butler

The damage done to a Liverpool library has been revealed in an image posted to X by an MP, showing damaged bookshelves and debris littered across the floor.

Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, north Liverpool, was set ablaze on Saturday evening, and footage showed people laughing as flames consumed the building.

Hull riots ‘at odds with culture of tolerance’

12:44 , Alexander Butler

Scenes of violence and disorder in Hull last night were at odds with the city’s “heritage for acceptance and tolerance”, the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

Jonathan Evison said: “The scenes witnessed are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We were lucky enough to have the City of Culture 2017 in Hull, this goes alongside a long-standing history of being welcoming and culturally diverse.

“I am concerned and angry that police officers have been injured, property has been destroyed, and businesses heavily disrupted. I want to reassure people that, today, the city centre is safe to visit.”

Pictured: Protests in Rotherham

12:37 , Alexander Butler

Starmer ditches holiday plans

12:28 , Alexander Butler

No 10 sources have sought to shut down claims that Sir Keir Starmer is planning a summer getaway on Monday as the prospect of further unrest across parts of the country looms.

It is understood that the Prime Minister is not going on holiday at the start of next week. Critics including sources close to Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick had suggested he should “cancel this Nero-esque holiday”.

Mr Jenrick said it would be “completely wrong for the Prime Minister to holiday while parts of Britain are burning”.

Mapped: Violent protests grip the country with fears of more to come

12:08 , Alexander Butler

Mapped: Violent protests grip the country with fears of more to come

Liverpool mayor slams ‘thugs’ who destroyed library

12:00 , Alexander Butler

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has condemned the “thugs” who torched a recently renovated library last night.

The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country, suffered severe damage.

Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the blaze. “Devastated to see this wonderful community asset ravaged by thugs,” Mr Rotheram said posting on X.

Pictured: Syrian supermarket destroyed in Belfast

11:55 , Alexander Butler

Watch: Supermarket manager surveys destroyed store after riots and fires in Belfast

11:48 , Alexander Butler

A heartbroken supermarket manager said his store was reduced to ashes following violent disorder in Belfast on Saturday, 3 August.

Bashir said Muslim businesses were deliberately targeted during attacks which which followed anti-immigration protests in the city.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended a shop and a cafe on fire on the Donegall Road on Saturday night. It said the cause of both fires had been determined as deliberate.

Bashir was visibly emotional as he described how he could not sleep on Saturday night during the unrest. “There is no message for people like this,” he added.

Policing minister vows rioters will face consequences for ‘marauding in streets’

11:35 , Alexander Butler

Counter protesters seen in Lancaster

11:31 , Alexander Butler

A group of counter protesters have been pictured demonstrating in Lancaster, Lancashire, on Sunday morning as a few far-right members gathered nearby.

Yvette Cooper continues to step up action in the wake of far right riots

11:23 , David Maddox

A source close to Yvette Cooper has told The Independent that the home secretary is meeting with the chief constable of Merseyside Police and other chief constables this morning where the violent thugs broke out last night.

It comes amid fears of more outbreaks of violence today after riots rocked Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Belfast, Stoke and other cities.

Ms Cooper has openly discussed using travel bans on those involved in the rallies and has promised a robust response to the civil unrest.

Police deny rumours of acid attack on Muslim woman shared by Labour MP

11:21 , Alexander Butler

Cleveland Police has denied rumours circulating online that a Muslim woman was attacked with acid during unrest on Saturday.

The force said it had not received “any formal complaint” from a victim or anyone on their behalf. It also said it had not received notification from medical colleagues of any such incident.

Earlier, reports of the attack were shared on social media by Nick Lowles, chief executive of Left-wing group Hope not Hate, and Josh Fenton-Glynn MP, the Labour MP for Calder Valley.

“Reports are coming in of acid being thrown out of a car window at a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. Absolutely horrendous,” Mr Lowles posted on X.

Clean up in Hull

11:17 , Alexander Butler

Street cleaning teams in Hull have worked through the night to ensure the city is open for business today, the city council has said.

Volunteers turned up with brushes from 7am to assist council crews. Areas within the city have largely reopened following Saturday’s disorder, but a number of shops remain closed.

“Yesterday we saw the worst of Hull but already today we have seen the best,” councillor Jack Haines of Hull City Council said.

“The cleaning teams have made fantastic progress overnight. The main streets are largely clear and the interchange has reopened.

“We have already seen the power in our community with volunteers turning up from 7am this morning with brushes to assist council teams. I thank all volunteers and council staff.

“With the clean-up largely completed and areas clear, the best way anyone can help today is to come together, enjoy our city and support local shops and business.”

Watch: Unrest throughout England as far-right protesters destroy shops and cars

11:00 , Alexander Butler

Watch: Unrest throughout England as far-right protesters destroy shops and cars

10:50 , Alexander Butler

Watch: Anti-immigration protesters gather outside hotel housing asylum seekers in Hull

10:40 , Alexander Butler

Police have all they need, minister says

10:35 , Alexander Butler

Police have “all the resources they need” to deal with riots and disorder, a minister has said amid concerns over the prospect of further violence sweeping across parts of the country.

Courts could sit for 24 hours to ensure “thugs” who “maraud our streets” are swiftly brought to justice, while forces have measures in place to draft in extra officers to respond to further unrest, Dame Diana Johnson has indicated.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his “full backing” to take any action necessary to respond to “extremists” attempting to “sow hate” after scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland this week.

But concerns have been raised that officers may be left unable to deal with other incidents as a result of the need to focus efforts on the prospect of ongoing rioting, with the Police Federation warning: “There is a cost to all this.”

Asked whether enough is being done to respond to the disorder, policing minister Dame Diana said the Government has been “reassured” forces are able to meet the scale of the challenge.

“The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment… they have the powers that they need,” the minister told BBC News.

Watch: Destruction in Sunderland as community deals with aftermath of rioting

10:30 , Alexander Butler

‘Small, violent group’ brought violence to Bristol, police say

10:14 , Alexander Butler

A “small but violent” group brought “unacceptable disorder and violence to the streets of Bristol last night”, a police and crime commissioner has said.

“This behaviour is not protest. It is not an expression of legitimate concern. It is criminal,” Clare Moody, who represents Avon and Somerset said.

“These actions do not represent the values of Bristol or the wider Avon and Somerset area. We are a strong, diverse and vibrant community where people from all walks of life live peacefully alongside one another.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the police officers who have been on the front lines, dealing with these disturbances with professionalism and courage.

“These actions will have consequences and I welcome Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper’s commitment to ensure that those involved will face the full force of the law.”

Crime fighting will suffer while officers tackle riots, police leader says

09:59 , Alexander Butler

Police forces across the UK will struggle to attend everyday crime incidents while officers are redirected to tackle rioting, a police leader told the BBC.

Tiffany Lynch, from the Police Federation of England and Wales, said on BBC Breakfast: “We’re seeing officers that are being pulled from day-to-day policing to… go out there and essentially protect our communities.

“But while that’s happening, the communities that are out there that are having incidents against them – victims of crime – unfortunately, their crimes are not being investigated.

“We’re not going to be able to attend all of the incidents that are coming in on the 999s because we’re having to direct the priorities of what’s happening on the streets.”

How UK’s deep rooted Islamophobia problem stoked far-right riots

09:56 , Alexander Butler

More ugly scenes have unfolded on the UK’s streets on Saturday, as police continue to grapple with a wave of far-right disorder across the country.

Cities in England and Northern Ireland saw violent clashes involving anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers injured as objects such as bricks, chairs and bottles were thrown at them.

The far-right has drawn condemnation from MPs across the political spectrum after disorder in London, Manchester, Southport, Hartlepool and Sunderland over the past week, many of which have seen mosques and other Muslim religious buildings targeted.

Explained: How UK’s long-running Islamophobia problem led to far-right riots

Tory police and crime commissioner deletes statement that appeared to justify far right riots

09:37 , Alexander Butler

A senior Tory has been criticised after she issued a statement on an official website which appeared to justify some of the activities of the far right rioters in recent days.

The statement by Donna Jones, the Tory police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, was a response to the rioting which has taken place in Southport, Sunderland, Hull, London and Hartlepool since the murder of three girls in Southport.

But it was removed last night without any explanation, causing a storm on social media. In it she acknowledged that the rioting and civil unrest “has escalated to a worrying level”.

Read more here:

Tory police commissioner deletes statement that appeared to justify far right riots

Cafe and supermarket torched in Belfast

09:27 , Alexander Butler

A cafe and a supermarket in south Belfast have been badly damaged by fire after attacks which followed anti-immigration protests in the city.

A number of cars were also burnt out as the police attempted to deal with the disorder in the Donegall Road area which lasted several hours on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

Firefighters were also at the scene dealing with a number of deliberate fires. On Sunday morning the clean-up had begun.

Supermarket manager Bashir’s business was extensively damaged by fire. He told the PA news agency that the Islamic community was being targeted.

He said: “People attacked this place, racism against Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslim community.”

He added: “All of that happened and the police did nothing, I am telling you the truth. What kind of police are letting the people burn everything down?”

No need for army, home office minister says

09:15 , Alexander Butler

There is no need to bring in the Army to deal with unrest in parts of England, a Home Office minister has said.

Asked whether the Government would draft in the military to help respond, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson told BBC News: “There is no need to bring in the Army and there has been no discussion about that.

“As I say, the police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment. They have the powers that they need.”

Objects hurled at police in Liverpool as far-right clash with officers

09:10 , Alexander Butler

Objects were hurled at police officers in Liverpool as the far-right clashed with officers on Saturday, 3 August.

Incidents took place in several cities including Manchester, Hull, Leeds, and Stoke, which saw “violent thugs” clash with police and loot shops in some instances.

Around 90 people have been arrested across the UK as authorities warned more disorder is likely in the coming days.

Two officers in Liverpool were taken to hospital – one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw – as chairs, bricks, bottles and flares were thrown at them.

Rioting is thought to have been triggered in part by social media misinformation about the knife attack in Southport, on Monday, in which three children were killed.

Objects hurled at police in Liverpool as far-right clash with officers

Recap: Belfast riots

08:54 , Alexander Butler

Violence flared in Belfast and businesses were attacked with cars left torched and overturn during anti-immigration protests in the Northern Irish capital.

There were also Irish tricolours at the anti-Islamic protest as a delegation from Coolock, the scene of recent anti-immigrant protests in Dublin, arrived.

After some fireworks were thrown, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Land Rovers and officers in riot gear moved in to form a physical barrier to separate the groups.

So far, two people have been arrested as police investigate criminal damage linked to an anti-immigration protest in Belfast.

Recap: Bristol riots

08:47 , Alexander Butler

In Bristol, 14 people have been arrested after a long, bitter stand-off between far-right and anti-fascist groups throughout Saturday evening.

Bottles were thrown, windows were smashed and there were several scuffles with officers, Avon and Somerset Police said on Saturday.

The counter-protesters were ready in their hundreds, chanting “fascists not welcome”.

Recap: Stoke riots

08:43 , Alexander Butler

Ten people were arrested in connection with disorder in Stoke-on-Trent and remained in custody on Saturday evening, the force said.

The 10 arrested, aged from 15 to 52, were mostly from the Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire area, officers said. Three police officers were assaulted and suffered minor injuries.

A crowd of about 400 people gathered at about 11:30am in Hanley along with other groups of counter-protesters, including one outside the now-closed Hanley Town Hall.

Recap: Hull riots

08:36 , Alexander Butler

In Hull, a shoe shop was trashed and set alight and a hotel which had housed asylum seekers had its windows smashed in, police said.

In chaotic scenes, Humberside Police Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore said officers had “faced eggs and bottles being thrown” amid clashes with far-right agitators.

The force said it had reports of a number of incidents of criminal damage, includuing an arson attack at a shop and wheelie bins and tyres set on fire.

A total of 20 people have been arrested and all the fires have now been put out, the police said.

Recap: Blackpool riots

08:29 , Alexander Butler

In Blackpool, around 1,000 protesters were involved in disorder after demonstrators descended on the seaside town on Saturday.

Bottles were thrown at police, as officers struggled to contain the mob, who were mainly from far-right groups shouting racist abuse.

Lancashire Police said “more than 20” arrests had been made across the county in connection with the protests, with people being held on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, police assault, possession of a bladed article, obstructing police, conspiracy to commit violent disorder and failing to adhere to a dispersal order.

Watch: Objects hurled at police in Liverpool as far-right clash with officers

08:15 , Alexander Butler

Recap: Liverpool riots

08:15 , Alexander Butler

In Liverpool, a library was torched, shops were looted and bricks and stones were hurled at police officers as up to 15 riot vans rushed to County Road near Goodison Park.

Dozens of masked rioters, in scenes replicated across the country, had descended on Merseyside just days after an attack in Southport left three children dead.

Shouting “We want our country back”, some rioters went on to steal alcohol, cigarettes and vapes from a Home Bargains store, as police described their behaviour as “disgraceful”.

There have been 11 arrests made in Liverpool so far.

Families ‘forced to flee’ in fear of far-right riots

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Families in Liverpool have been forced to flee in fear of violent far-right riots that erupted across the UK.

The Liverpool Police said an “afternoon of unashamed disorder and violence” potentially put members of the public, including children, at risk”.

“We have heard reports of families having to run away from the area, some of whom had brought children to see the Disney Princess cruise ship docked nearby,” the police added, according to The Telegraph.

Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Let’s call this out for what it is: mindless thuggery by people looking for an excuse to spew hatred and carry out acts of violence.

“Families and tourists chased through the streets. Children traumatised. And the very police who ran towards the scene in Southport now subjected to assault and abuse.”

Violence against police ‘abhorrent’. chief says

07:57 , Alexander Butler

Tiffany Lynch from the Police Federation of England and Wales condemned the recent rioting and violence against police.

“It is an abhorrent, senseless act of violence against our police officers, towards our public buildings who are there to serve the community,” she told BBC Breakfast after unrest in a number of cities in England and Northern Ireland.

“(These acts are those of) a small minority and it doesn’t represent the community of Great Britain. It is absolutely abhorrent.”

More protests planned for today

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Further protests are planned for Sunday and in the coming days, police said.

“We know people will try and do this again and policing has been and will continue to be ready,” said chief constable BJ Harrington, who spoke on public order for the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

He said there were 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy.

“So if you’re planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple – we’ll be watching you.”

Home secretary says people involved in violence will ‘pay the price’

07:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes “will pay the price” and that “criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets”.

“Anyone who gets involved in criminal disorder and violent thuggery on our streets will have to pay the price and they should expect there to be arrests, prosecutions, penalties, and the full force of the law including imprisonment and travel bans.

“There are consequences for breaking the law.”

Fact checked: The false far-right claims that sparked riots in Southport and across UK

07:00 , Athena Stavrou

After three young girls were killed and a further eight children and two adults were injured at the start of this week, far-right riots have taken place across the country.

But the source of anger driving these protesters – beyond their longstanding frustration with a system they believe is wrongly allowing migrants and Muslims into the United Kingdom – appears to be based on inaccurate information and conspiracy.

Even now, after the misinformation has been corrected, conspiracies remain about why the identity of the Southport suspect was initially withheld, as per British law. Others suggest more information is still being kept from the public.

Tom Watling looks at the false far-right claims that sparked riots:

Fact checked: The false far-right claims that sparked the riots

How UK’s deep rooted Islamophobia problem stoked far-right riots

06:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

More ugly scenes have unfolded on the UK’s streets on Saturday, as police continue to grapple with a wave of far-right disorder across the country.

Cities in England and Northern Ireland saw violent clashes involving anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, with police officers injured as objects such as bricks, chairs and bottles were thrown at them.

With more marches planned in the coming days, experts have warned such demonstrations are being driven by deep rooted Islamophobic sentiment among some sections of the population.

Nadine White has more.

Explained: How UK’s long-running Islamophobia problem led to far-right riots

Courts to sit for 24-hours a day – reports

06:30 , Athena Stavrou

Courts will reportedly sit for 24-hours a day in the wake of far-right violence sweeping across the country.

Ministers met with senior members of the judiciary for emergency talks on Saturday as the far-right clashed with police and counter-protesters in major UK cities and towns.

Officials at the Ministry of Justice are now understood to be in discussions with the judiciary, police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), about magistrates’ courts sitting for 24 hours to deal with a surge of arrests, The Telegraph reported.

The paper said this would involve triggering the Additional Courts Protocol, which would have to be agreed on by the judiciary. Requests for more court slots and extended hours must be made in agreement with the relevant Chief Officer of Police and Chief Crown Prosecutor.

The protocol was previously used following the 2011 London riots which saw courts sit for 24 hours to process those in custody.

Sunderland rioters came from outside the city, council says

06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Sunderland residents have begun the hard work of cleaning up the city after far-right rioters clashed with police and damaged buildings in the city.

The violent scenes saw a police centre looted while a neighbouring Citizen’s Advice bureau was set alight.

Sunderland Council deputy leader Kelly Chequer said the riots were “nothing more than mindless violence and disorder led by a minority with an agenda of hate”.

“We know that sadly, many of those in our city last night were not from here but came to cause chaos and stoke tensions,” she added.

“I want to make it clear: there is no place for these people, they are not welcome here”.

Albert Toth reports.

Sunderland rioters came from outside the city, council says

More disorder likely in coming days

06:00 , Athena Stavrou

More disorder is likely in the coming days, police have said.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said in a statement: “This week we have seen appalling behaviour that in no way shows compassion or respect for the little girls who were killed and injured last week. It shows no respect for our communities, and it will be stopped.

“We know people will try and do this again in the coming days and policing has been and will continue to be ready.

“There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy.

“So if you’re planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple – we’ll be watching you. Anyone committing a criminal offence will be detained and brought before the courts.

“In recent days we have seen criminals masquerading as protesters, causing senseless destruction.

“These people are not protesters, they’re violent thugs – and many have already been arrested and charged.”

Home secretary warns protesters involved in ‘violent thuggery’ will ‘pay the price’

05:30 , Athena Stavrou

The Home Secretary has warned that the country will not stand for ‘thuggery’ and that courts will ’stand ready’ to make sure people ‘pay the price’ after protests unsettled cities across the country.

‘Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain’s streets,’ Yvette Cooper said on 3 August, amid weekend demonstrations in Liverpool, Sunderland, Hull and others.

Tensions are thought to have been partly triggered by misinformation about the alleged knife attacker in Southport, Merseyside, which resulted in the deaths of three children.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his ‘full support’ to take action against ‘extremists’ as he held emergency talks with ministers.

Hebe Campbell reports:

Home Secretary: ‘We cannot stand for this kind of thuggery’

In pics: Far-right protesters clash with police in Bristol

05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

About 90 arrested in Saturday’s far-right clashes – report

04:31 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

About 90 people were arrested across the UK after the far-right riots turned violent.

Towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland saw clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters on Saturday, with police officers attacked and injured and a number of arrests made, with many more promised.

There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast.

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood told ministers “the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible”, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Humberside Police arrested 20 people, while in Bristol, police made 14 arrests because of violent disorder in the city centre.

Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn. And Staffordshire Police said 10 people were also arrested following disorder in Stoke-on-Trent.

Merseyside Police arrested 23 people on Saturday, including 12 arrests for the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests for the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with disorder in Southport.

Lord Walney says new emergency powers may be needed to deal with riots

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Home Office should consider urgently looking at a new emergency framework to deal with the violent outbreaks, Lord Walney said.

He told the Observer that the emergency measures, temporary if required, would “enable police to use the full powers of arrest to prevent people gathering where there is clear intent to fuel violent disorder”.

“The system isn’t set up to deal with this rolling rabble rousing being fuelled by far-right actors,” he said.

Man with swastika tattoo at Sunderland riots praised by far right protester for ‘pure British’ body art

04:30 , Athena Stavrou

A man with a swastika tattoo has been pictured in crowds of far-right rioters during a night of disorder in Sunderland linked to the Southportstabbings.

In footage shared to X, the man can be heard declaring: “English, mate, I am” in response to a person filming the video, who compliments him on his “awesome” and “pure British” tattoos.

Eight people were arrested in Sunderland on Friday evening after rioting in the city saw an old police station set on fire and clashes between officers and demonstrators.

The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:

Sunderland rioters compliment man with swastika tattoo on ‘pure British’ body art

Watch: Unrest throughout England as far-right protesters destroy shops and cars

03:30 , Athena Stavrou

Courts to sit for 24-hours a day – reports

02:30 , Athena Stavrou

Courts will reportedly sit for 24-hours a day in the wake of far-right violence sweeping across the country.

Ministers met with senior members of the judiciary for emergency talks on Saturday as the far-right clashed with police and counter-protesters in major UK cities and towns.

Officials at the Ministry of Justice are now understood to be in discussions with the judiciary, police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), about magistrates’ courts sitting for 24 hours to deal with a surge of arrests, The Telegraph reported.

The paper said this would involve triggering the Additional Courts Protocol, which would have to be agreed on by the judiciary. Requests for more court slots and extended hours must be made in agreement with the relevant Chief Officer of Police and Chief Crown Prosecutor.

The protocol was previously used following the 2011 London riots which saw courts sit for 24 hours to process those in custody.

Pictured: Far-right clash with police in Bristol

01:30 , Athena Stavrou

Chairs and bottles thrown in Blackpool brawl

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:30 , Athena Stavrou

Chairs and bottles were thrown in Blackpool as far-right rioters and counter-protesting punks clashed.

According to reports, police took ten minuted to arrive to clear brawlers from the square in front of Blackpool Church.

14 arrested in Bristol

Saturday 3 August 2024 23:52 , Athena Stavrou

Avon and Somerset Police said 14 people have been arrested following disorder in Bristol.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said in a statement: “Some of the scenes we saw in Bristol tonight were completely unacceptable.

“We will always facilitate peaceful and lawful protests, however the behaviour from a minority of people tonight crossed the line.

“Fourteen people have been arrested for various offences and there will be further arrests over the coming days as we work to identify those responsible for this disorder. Make no mistake – they will face the full force of the law for their thuggery.

“I’d like to thank officers, including those who have come from other forces, for their commitment to protecting the public and also our partners for all their support.”

11 arrested in Liverpool

Saturday 3 August 2024 23:34 , Athena Stavrou

Merseyside Police said officers have arrested 11 people over the Liverpool city centre disorder.

The force said more will follow once officers have trawled CCTV, bodycam and camera phone footage.

Majority of Bristol protesters dispersed

Saturday 3 August 2024 23:14 , Athena Stavrou

Many of the protesters in Bristol had dispersed by 10pm, leaving only around a dozen who congregated in a car park in Redcliff Street, opposite a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers.

A large police presence remained in the area.

Youths pelting police cars in Liverpool

Saturday 3 August 2024 22:52 , Athena Stavrou

The was further violence in Liverpool as youths began pelting police cars.

Officers had responded to information about a mob planning to close a mosque in the Walton area.

Merseyside Police said in a statement: “We can confirm there is a significant police presence on County Road in Walton as a result of people being involved in serious violent disorder this evening.

“Officers were deployed to the area following information about a planned disorder close to a mosque.

“Shortly after 9pm, a number of people including youths began throwing objects at police vehicles.

“A wheelie bin was also set alight and extinguished by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

“A Section 60 order is in place across Liverpool this evening, until 8.40pm on Sunday, giving officers extra powers to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning criminality.”

Police car destroyed in Bristol after violent protests grip cities around England

Saturday 3 August 2024 22:05 , Athena Stavrou

20 arrested in Lancashire

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:55 , Athena Stavrou

Police arrested 20 people in Lancashire with the biggest disorder seen in Blackpool.

There were also disturbances in Preston and Blackburn.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Davies said: “We have today made a significant number of arrests following tension in Blackpool and some minor disruption in parts of Preston and Blackburn.

“In Blackpool, we have witnessed some mindless thuggery from individuals, who we believe to be from outside of the county, intent on causing issues in our communities.

“We have also seen some small pockets of tension elsewhere in the county.”

Far-right gather at asylum-hotel in Bristol

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:54 , Athena Stavrou

In Bristol, a group dispersed from the city centre and headed to the Mercure Bristol Hotel at Redcliff which has been used to house asylum seekers.

They were outnumbered by a group of counter-protesters who chanted: “We are many, you are few. We are Bristol, who are you?”

More disorder likely in coming days

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:50 , Athena Stavrou

More disorder is likely in the coming days, police have said.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said in a statement: “This week we have seen appalling behaviour that in no way shows compassion or respect for the little girls who were killed and injured last week. It shows no respect for our communities, and it will be stopped.

“We know people will try and do this again in the coming days and policing has been and will continue to be ready.

“There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy.

“So if you’re planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple – we’ll be watching you. Anyone committing a criminal offence will be detained and brought before the courts.

“In recent days we have seen criminals masquerading as protesters, causing senseless destruction.

“These people are not protesters, they’re violent thugs – and many have already been arrested and charged.”

15-year-old amongst those arrested in Stoke-on-Trent

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:44 , Athena Stavrou

Staffordshire Police said 10 people, all male and aged between 52 and 15, had been arrested on suspicion of offences including assault, violent disorder and racial or religious threatening behaviour.

The force said two men at the centre of online claims that they had been stabbed had actually been hurt when a blunt instrument was thrown in the air.

They are in hospital and police said their injuries were not serious.

Three police officers suffered minor injuries.

Arrests made in Bristol as cement table base thrown at police car

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:43 , Athena Stavrou

Police said they had made multiple arrests because of violent disorder in Bristol city centre.

Avon and Somerset Police said: “Some of the behaviour we have seen is completely unacceptable and we will use all the powers available to us to deal with it.”

The was a large police presence in the centre of Bristol as a protest got under way.

They had gathered at Castle Park following a campaign on social media with the tags “enough is enough” and “stop the boats”.

A counter protest organised by those opposed to the far-right was also taking place at the same time.

Both groups were on Victoria Street but divided by the Bristol Bridge and dozens of police officers in riot gear.

Mounted officers were also on duty, as were dog handlers.

“Unforgivable” scenes of violence in Hull

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:33 , Athena Stavrou

Videos posted on social media have shown scenes of violence perpetrated by far-right rioters in Hull.

Footage showed shops in the city centre being looted and set on fire, while another showed a group draped in England flags jumping on an unknown persons car while they were inside.

This evening, MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, Emma Hardy, warned that the violence was now “widespread” rather than focused in the city centre.

She added that there have alsoe been a number of local fires.“The videos on social media I have seen disgust me,” she wrote on social media. “The level of intimation and violence towards members of our community are unforgivable.

“We can of course disagree but this behaviour is appalling and inexcusable. It needs us ALL to condemn it. Violent criminals can never be allowed to win.”

Two officers taken to hospital and six arrested after Liverpool riot

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:23 , Athena Stavrou

Two police officers had to be taken to hospital today after violent protests broke out in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police said one officer suffered a suspected broken nose and another had a suspected broken jaw. Footage from the city today showed far-right individuals throwing bricks and chairs at officers while another video showed an officer falling off their motorbike and being beaten by rioters.

The force added that it had already arrested six people between 29 and 58-years-old on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and criminal damage. The number of arrests is expected to increase.

Watch: Anti-immigration protesters gather outside hotel housing asylum seekers in Hull

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:15 , Athena Stavrou

Home Secretary adresses violent protests – ICYMI

Saturday 3 August 2024 21:00 , Athena Stavrou

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violent disorder “will pay the price.”

“Criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets,” she told broadcasters.

“We’ve been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price.”

Pictures from today’s protests

Saturday 3 August 2024 20:45 , Athena Stavrou

Comment: Nigel Farage has failed to condemn mob violence – and given Keir Starmer an open goal

Saturday 3 August 2024 20:30 , Athena Stavrou

When the Reform UK leader took to social media to criticise the government over the murder of three girls in Southport –rather than, say, make a speech in the Commons – it showed where his rabble-rousing loyalties lie, says John Rentoul:

Nigel Farage has failed to condemn mob violence – and given Keir Starmer an open goal

Sunderland rioters came from outside the city, council says

Saturday 3 August 2024 20:15 , Athena Stavrou

Sunderland residents have begun the hard work of cleaning up the city after far-right rioters clashed with police and damaged buildings in the city.

The violent scenes saw a police centre looted while a neighbouring Citizen’s Advice bureau was set alight. Four police officers were injured in skirmishes and at least 10 arrests were made. Police, residents and local politicians have all condemned the scenes.

Sunderland Council deputy leader Kelly Chequer said the riots were “nothing more than mindless violence and disorder led by a minority with an agenda of hate”.

“We know that sadly, many of those in our city last night were not from here but came to cause chaos and stoke tensions,” she added.

“I want to make it clear: there is no place for these people, they are not welcome here”.

Scenes turn nastier in Bristol

Saturday 3 August 2024 20:03 , Athena Stavrou

A far-right protest and counter-protest is escalating in Bristol, with buses stopped in the city centre.

Officers brought in dogs and horses to try and keep the groups apart in the city’s Castle Park. At first, it seemed the groups would not clash as the protesters were largely outnumbers.

Later however, officers struggled to separate the two groups, with objects being thrown from both sides. The protesters were pushed out of the park onto a main bridge in the city centre where two buses were forced to stop.

PM: Freedom of expression and violent disorder ‘two very different things’

Saturday 3 August 2024 19:32 , Athena Stavrou

The prime minister made clear there is a difference between “the right to freedom of expression” and “violent disorder” as he met with senior ministers including Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood and Diana Johnson to discuss protests.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “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.”

Counter-protester carried away by Police in Bristol

Saturday 3 August 2024 19:22 , Athena Stavrou

A man has been carried away by police and detained in Bristol.

The man is believed to be a part of the counter-protest in the city’s Castle Park. Police are currently keeping a clear distance between the far-right group and the anti-fascist demonstrators.