UK riots LIVE: Keir Starmer holds another Cobra meeting amid fears fresh disorder could hit UK cities

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chaired a second Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening as a wave of violent disorder continued for a seventh day across the country.

Relevant ministers and police chiefs attended.

Metropolitan Police said it will “not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence”.

It comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson told the BBC he is aware “of at least one instance” where terror offences are being looked at.

He told the broadcaster: "Where you have organised groups planning activity for the purposes of advancing [an] ideology... planning really, really serious disruption then yes, we will consider terrorism offences.”

Police came under attack in several cities in the UK on Monday evening, with petrol bombs and fireworks shot at officers.Police officers were attacked with petrol bombs and bricks in south Belfast on Monday night, and a police Land Rover and set alight, Police Service of Northern Ireland said.

Elsewhere, six arrests were made in Plymouth after "several officers" suffered minor injuries and two members of the public were taken to hospital, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

In Darlington police said there were "small pockets of serious violence" with bricks being thrown at officers after groups of men assembled.

The latest violence came as Sir Keir Starmer promised a “standing army” of riot police officers was being mobilised to deal with further violent protests

Meanwhile the Metropolitan Police are assessing reports far-Right thugs are planning protests in four London boroughs.Follow the latest updates below...

Key Points

• Where could protests happen in London?

• Rioters could face 10 years in prison

• Police attacked with petrol bombs and man injured in suspected hate crime in Belfast

• 28 people charged following 'violent disorder' in Middlesbrough

• Vigil held a week after three young girls murdered in Southport mass stabbing

• Children injured in mass stabbing at Taylor Swift themed dance class all discharged from hospital

Coverage ends

22:00

Our live blog is now ending for tonight. Many thanks for following along.

We’ll be back tomorrow, bringing you all the latest updates.

Watch: PM makes statement following Cobra meeting

21:52 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Sadiq Khan urges people to 'check in on your Black, Brown and minority friends'

21:38 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that "now is the time to check in on your Black, Brown and minority friends... in many parts of the country, they don't feel safe."

He added: "Our communities are facing the threat of hatred - including violence - fuelled by insidious racism, prejudice, and Islamophobia.

"It’s the legacy of decades of dog whistles, including from some irresponsible politicians."

Lord Chancellor warns rioters amid concerns for solicitors' safety

21:24 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The Lord Chancellor has warned people who “incite mobs” will “feel the full force of the law”, amid concerns over the safety of legal professionals.

It comes as a number of events were planned outside immigration advice centres and solicitors’ offices across the country on Wednesday.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Every day, across the country, solicitors uphold the rule of law.

“Inciting mobs to attack their offices, or threatening them in any way, is unacceptable.

“Those found doing so will face the full force of the law.

“They will join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by police within the last week.”

PM says he expects 'substantive sentencing' as more than 400 arrested

21:12 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Sir Keir Starmer said he is expecting “substantive sentencing” for those taking part in the unrest “before the end of this week”.

Speaking to reporters inside Downing Street on Tuesday evening, Sir Keir said: “Those involved will feel the full force of the law…over 400 people now have been arrested, 100 have been charged – some in relation to online activity – and a number of them are already in court.

“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of this week.

“That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week.

“Nobody, but nobody, should be involved themselves in this disorder.”

Starmer promises communities 'will be safe' after second Cobra meeting

20:26 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised communities “will be safe” following a Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening and said those taking part in unrest will “feel the full force of the law”.

Home Secretary vows funding will not be barrier to strong police response

19:27

Funding will not be a barrier to a strong police response to disorder, the Home Secretary has said.

In a call today, Yvette Cooper told chief constables their forces would receive support for overtime pay and any other resources they required when dealing with public disorder.

She said: “The police have my unwavering commitment to ensure they have everything they need to mobilise a strong frontline response across the country to put a stop to the appalling displays of violence and criminal damage we have seen in some of our towns and cities.

“Criminals should expect to pay the price for violent thuggery and disorder on our streets.

“Keyboard warriors also cannot hide, as criminal organisation and incitement online will be liable for prosecution and strong penalties too.

“My message to communities is to let the police do their jobs and to make clear that we collectively reject this criminality and disorder – not in our towns, not in our names.

“The people peddling this violence and hate do not represent Britain”.

Nigel Farage blames Andrew Tate as source of disinformation about Southport attacker

18:59 , Tom Davidson

Nigel Farage has said he was referring to claims made by influencer Andrew Tate when he asked whether the alleged Southport attacker was known to security services.

In a video posted on July 30, the day after the attack that killed three young girls, Reform UK leader Mr Farage said there had been “reports” that the suspect was being monitored by the security services.

Referring to the police description of the attack as a non-terror incident, he added: “I just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us. I don’t know the answer to that. I think it’s a fair and legitimate question.”

Read the full story here.

Man jailed over Bolton disorder

18:41 , Tom Davidson

A man has been jailed following disorder in Bolton on Sunday.

James Nelson, 19, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, is thought to be the first person to receive a prison sentence after widespread unrest in relation to the Southport killings.

At Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Nelson was jailed for two months after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage.

Liam Powell, 28, of Hendon Court, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, received a 12-month community order after admitting to being in possession of cocaine during the disorder in the Greater Manchester town.

Listen: The Standard's political editor discusses latest on nationwide disorder

18:09 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

There’s been another day of violent disorder in the UK, and there are fears far-right protests could be heading to London.

A list circulating on social media which suggests that extremists are planning protests in four London boroughs is currently being assessed by the Metropolitan Police.

On today’s episode of The Standard podcast, our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil discusses what we know so far and how hundreds of thugs are facing jail as the Government fast-tracks justice.

Listen on the above player or via this link.

Fears immigration law experts are at risk

17:53 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Concerns have also been raised that immigration law specialists could be at risk after a list of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies was shared in chat groups as targets for gatherings in the coming days.

One of the locations listed said it had been offered extra police support, which it said it would accept.

Another centre, Asylum Link Merseyside, said it had closed its offices temporarily following “threats of far-right violence” made against it.

Nursery asks parents to collect children early ahead of 'planned riots'

17:18 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

A nursery in Leytonstone has asked parents to collect their children early on Wednesday evening to allow time for staff and children to get home safely ahead of “planned riots” in the Waltham Forest/Walthamstow area.

Met vows rioters will 'face full force of the law' amid 'one of worst spates of violent disorder this decade'

16:59 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The Met has warned rioters will “face the full force of the law” as it vowed to “do everything” in its power to protect London amid the ongoing disruption.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade.

“This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.

“We know about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital tomorrow night. They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.

“The scenes of racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country have been deeply shocking. Members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured.

“We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.

“We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.

“Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear – you will face the full force of the law.

“Our officers put the safety of others above that of their own. They have faced dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse in the name of public service and keeping the King’s peace. They will continue to fulfil their duty in the coming days and weeks.

“Londoners in parts of the capital will see more officers in their local area. If anyone is concerned or needs our help, please speak to them. They are there to help.

“Our officers and our communities have truly pulled together in these difficult times. We are proud to stand together against the vile and criminal behaviour we’ve seen in recent weeks.”

Welsh first minister determined riots seen in England won't spread to Wales

16:27

The new First Minister of Wales has said she is determined not to see a rise in hate crimes in Wales following the string of riots in England.

“We’re certainly not being complacent here,” said Eluned Morgan, who was voted in as the head of the Welsh government on Tuesday.

“We know that there are tensions in some communities, but we are determined to make sure we don’t see the rise of hate crime in Wales.

“We have a whole series of measures to help us with that and I’ve already asked for an early meeting with the police and some faith community leaders.”

Starmer to chair another emergency Cobra meeting

16:13 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will chair another emergency Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening on continued action to tackle the violent disorder that has been taking place around the country, the PA news agency reports.

Relevant ministers and police chiefs will attend.

Last child hurt in Southport attack leaves hospital

15:11 , Jacob Phillips

The children who were injured in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport have all been discharged from hospital.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said its “heartfelt sympathies remain with all those impacted by last week’s tragic events”.

The hospital said in a statement: “We are really pleased to be able to share that all the children involved in last Monday’s awful incident in Southport who were under our care have now been safely discharged home from Alder Hey.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in responding to the incident or caring for anyone affected by it, especially our colleagues in the NHS, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service.

“We also want to say thank you to all who sent well wishes to Alder Hey and to the families affected.”

People who are racist to NHS staff ‘can be turned away’ – says Health Secretary

14:21 , Jacob Phillips

People who are racist to NHS staff in health settings “can and should” be turned away from care, the Health Secretary has said.

Wes Streeting said the Government “will not tolerate” the continuation of violence seen in towns and cities across England in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings.

In an interview with the PA news agency, Mr Streeting condemned the “mindless thuggery” seen on streets across Britain over the past week.

And he said the people who attacked Filipino nurses in Sunderland had “brought enormous shame on our country”.

The two nurses were attacked on Friday evening as they travelled to work to provide emergency cover during unrest in Sunderland.

Terrorism charges being considered for rioters by prosecutors

14:15 , Jacob Phillips

A top prosecutor has revealed that terrorism offences are being considered in some cases amid the violent protests.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson told the BBC: "There are sentencing guidelines which indicate that many people who have been caught up in this disorder will face immediate imprisonment. There should be no doubt about that. They are going to prison.

"We are willing to look at terrorism offences. I'm aware of at least one instance where that is happening.

"Where you have organised groups planning activity for the purposes of advancing [an] ideology... planning really, really serious disruption then yes, we will consider terrorism offences.”

Hounslow 'united as one community' amid potential protests

14:07 , Jacob Phillips

The borough of Hounslow is “united as one community” amid claims that protests may take place in the area, its council leader has said.

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat said: "We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages which claim a protest is being planned in the Borough this week.

“We are working with the police to verify that claim. If there is any credibility to it, we will work with the police and other partners to prioritise the safety of our communities.”

He added: “Our diversity is our strength, our vitality and the very essence of our community. We continue to take pride in our shared identity, our vibrant communities and the ways in which we have lived, worked and thrived together over many years. There cannot, and will not be any place for hate and division.”

Starmer condemns riots

13:47 , Josh Salisbury

Sir Keir Starmer condemned the riots plaguing Britain's streets as he chaired Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, according to a readout.

According to Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: "When I went to Southport I spoke to police who described what it was like to attend the mass stabbing of little girls and then to be back on duty the next day in riot gear, having bricks thrown at them.

"This is something no-one would have ever wanted to see and we need to be calling it out for what it is. It is not protest. It is violent disorder and needs to be treated as such, as criminal activity.

"99.9% of people across the country want their streets to be safe and to feel safe in their communities, and we will take all necessary action to bring the disorder to an end."

100 people charged over riots, says England's chief prosecutor

13:32 , Josh Salisbury

There have been around a hundred charges in the wake of disorder around the country, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson has said.

He told the BBC: "There have been about 100 charges that have been laid. As we heard last night, around 400 people arrested. So the majority of people have been released on bail pending further investigation.

"And what the police will be doing now is building those files. They will be resubmitted to us and then we'll be making charging decisions.

"I should say that we are able to make immediate charging decisions. In fact, I made a direction to my colleagues that I would want them to make immediate charging decisions if we got the key evidence in place.

"But for the most part, the police have made the decision to release people on bail and then they'll come to us at later stage. That means that we can manage the flow quite easily because not all these people will come back at the same time.

"So I'm confident actually that we have the capacity and the capability to deal with the work that's there and the work that we anticipate coming forward."

'Lock up rioters', urges Tory leadership candidate

13:21 , Josh Salisbury

Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick has urged the Government to "back our brave police officers in using the full force of the law without fear or favour to restore order".

In a video posted to X, he said: "Now is the time to punish the guilty, to lock up the rioters and to take back control of Britain's streets."

Earlier on Tuesday, Labour justice minister Heidi Alexander revealed more details about ministers’ plans for a so-called standing army of officers to crack down on the riots.

Ms Alexander told Times Radio: "These are police officers who have had specialist training in dealing with public order offences.

"We had 4,000 available at the weekend. There will be another 2,000 available this week. It also means that police officers are able to be deployed in parts of the country where they are needed most."

Boy, 16, arrested over Tamworth disorder

13:02 , Josh Salisbury

A sixteen-year-old boy has been arrested in Staffordshire over the violent disorder in Tamworth at the weekend.

The 16-year-old boy, from Tamworth, has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and is in custody.

The force said in a statement: "A dedicated team of detectives are reviewing the vast array of footage from the scenes in Tamworth on Sunday (August 4) and Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday (August 3) as efforts intensify to bring those responsible to justice.

"More people will be arrested in Staffordshire in the coming days.

"It's been really pleasing to see lots of people getting in touch with vital evidence since we opened the major incident portal yesterday.

"We're really thankful for all of the positive comments that have been left for the frontline officers who have been subject to the acts of thuggery we've experienced recently."

Builder pleads guilty after kicking riot shield during riot in Rotherham

12:53 , Jacob Phillips

Self-employed builder Joshua Simpson has become the first person to be convicted following the rioting in Rotherham after he admitted assaulting a police officer.

Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how Simpson, 25, was abusive to police before he kicked a riot shield, forcing it back on to an officer’s leg.

A deputy district judge was told the incident happened as those involved in Sunday’s disorder were dispersing and Simpson, of no fixed abode, turned up by himself in the evening after seeing the incident unfold on a video as he was helping a friend in Worksop, Nottinghamsire.

The defendant admitted one count of assault of an emergency worker.

He was remanded in custody by deputy district judge Simon Blakebrough who asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared before he is sentenced on August 27.

The judge said he could not rule out sending Simpson, who said he is currently homeless, to prison.

Two 16-year-old boys charged in Bolton

12:34 , Jacob Phillips

Two men and two teenagers have been charged in connection with disorder in Bolton on Sunday.

Lancashire Police said Dominic Stanbridge, 31, of Highland Drive, Buckshaw, has been charged with violent disorder.

James Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, has been charged with criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

Both have been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the force added.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with violent disorder and another 16-year-old boy has been charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, police said.

Rioters named as police condemn violence

12:27 , Jacob Phillips

Rioters who smashed up Britain’s streets in a weekend of shame after the Southport stabbings have been named and pictured, our crime correspondent Anthony France reports.

It came as courts began sitting through the night to process hundreds of suspects.

Right-wing disorder has now lasted for a week with unrest witnessed across England and in parts of Northern Ireland after three young girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport last Monday.

Read more about the rioters here.

Over £100,000 raised after Liverpool library destroyed in riots

12:16 , Jacob Phillips

Over £100,000 has been raised in two days after a library was “burned and ransacked” during riots in Liverpool.

A fundraiser was set up for Spellow Library after it was damaged in “last night’s mindless riots”.

A message on a GoFundMe page said: “Our city is a sad place at the minute, much like the rest of the country.

“But it makes me heartbroken to think that children will miss out on an opportunity to read and explore new books and stories in a community space which is meant to be safe for them and their families, especially over the summer holidays.

It added: “Our children should be able to find solace and joy in books and reading, and have a nice place to do it. Let’s try and make that happen again and show the world what community in Liverpool really means.”

Over £115,000 had been raised by lunchtime on Tuesday.

Teenager, 15, pleads guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool

12:09

A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday after he was identified from a TikTok video.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court.

Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said following disorder in the city centre on August 3, the teenager had been identified on a TikTok video which was sent to police and from CCTV.

Footage played in court showed the youth among a crowd of people, becoming involved in a confrontation and taking his jacket and top off.

Mr Sanderson-Kirk said: “He picks up a paving slab and throws it at a member of the public.”

District Judge Timothy Boswell ordered a pre-sentence report and adjourned the case to September 17.

The boy, whose mother was in court, was granted bail with a condition not to enter the city centre.

Three men plead guilty to taking part in disorder in Blackpool

11:48 , Jacob Phillips

Three men from Blackpool have pleaded guilty to their part in violence across Lancashire on Saturday – including assaulting emergency workers and possession of a metal pole as an offensive weapon.

A spokeswoman for HM Courts and Tribunals Service said Roger Haywood, 41, Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, and Ben Smith, 32, admitted their part in the disorder at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Haywood pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and has been granted bail ahead of his sentencing hearing on September 4 at the same court.

Chalmers-Millington pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and was told he must not enter Blackpool promenade within 500 metres of the Metropole Hotel ahead of his sentencing hearing at the same court on September 3.

Smith was remanded in custody after admitting possession of an offensive weapon – namely a metal pole – and is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on September 16.

Extra patrols in north London as community 'anxious watching despicable racist and Islamophobic attacks'

11:21 , Jacob Phillips

Leaders across Islington have said additional patrols are in place alongside support for faith and community locations amid the rioting.

A statement from the borough’s MP’s Jeremy Corbyn and Emily Thornberry, as well as other representatives, said: “Islington understands all too well the impact that far-right extremism, hatred and division can have on real people.”

It added: “We've always stood together as one community against this, and we do so again today in the face of unacceptable and inexcusable riots across the country that seek to attack the most marginalised people in our society and tear us apart.

“We won’t let that happen. Instead, we are more determined than ever to be united against hate and to create a more equal future for Islington.

“We know that many people in Islington – regardless of their background, race or faith – will be feeling anxious watching despicable racist and Islamophobic attacks around the country.

“Together, we stand in solidarity, and are stepping up additional patrols and support for faith and community locations.”

India becomes latest country to issue safety warning to citizens amid riots

11:12

India has become the latest country to issue a safety warning to citizens traveling to the United Kingdom due to anti-immigration protests and riots.

Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have already given advice to their nationals living in or visiting the UK to stay away from demonstrations.

The Indian High Commission in London has stated that it is "closely monitoring the situation" and has advised Indian visitors to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local security agencies.Read the full story here.

Man charged over alleged Facebook posts that 'stir up racial hatred'

11:05 , Jacob Phillips

A man has been charged with intending to stir up racial hatred relating to alleged posts on Facebook, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Nick Price, director of legal services, said: “We have authorised West Yorkshire Police to charge Jordan Parlour, 28, with using threatening words or behaviour intending to stir up racial hatred.

“The charge relates to alleged Facebook posts between 1 August and 5 August in connection with the violent public disorder across the UK.

“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

He will appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

28 people charged with violent disorder and other offences following Middlesbrough riots

10:55 , Jacob Phillips

Cleveland Police said 28 people will appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with violent disorder and other offences following disorder in Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The force said the court has set aside a remand court to deal with those appearing on Tuesday.

Extra patrols in London following 'sickening scenes'

10:52 , Jacob Phillips

Extra patrols are being brought in in the capital following “sickening scenes” across the country that have “no place in our society.”

Waltham Forest deputy leader Clyde Loakes said: “The awful murders of three young children in Southport on Monday 29 July shook us all to our cores.

“Since that tragic incident, we have all been appalled and angered to see the damage caused by rioters trashing town centres and setting fire to community buildings. These scenes are sickening and have no place in our society.”

“Waltham Forest has a long and proud tradition of being a Borough of Sanctuary, where those fleeing persecution, conflict, and oppression are made welcome. The council and our residents will not stand for bigotry, intolerance, racism, or division. Our diversity is our strength.”He added: “We have seen claims that a protest has been organised in our area. We are working with the Metropolitan Police to verify the information, and we will respond together in close partnership if it is accurate.”

Extra patrols are in place and Waltham Forest Council will “reach out to mosques and places of worship to provide reassurance”.

Dog hit with brick and six police officers injured during Tamworth and Stoke protests

10:32 , Jacob Phillips

A police dog was struck with a brick and six officers were injured during “mindless violence” in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Police has said.

The force said police dog Vixen “was bravely trying to stop one of the thugs when she was struck above her right eye with a brick”.

The hound suffered a “nasty gash” and needed treatment. She is now recovering at home.

Two other police dogs were also injured, the police force explained. Six officers were also assaulted across the two incidents.

One man has already been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker after an officer was assaulted in the disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “Our officers faced mindless violence and showed exceptional bravery. It is unacceptable that those trying to keep the public safe are attacked so violently.

“This disregard for the local community and public property also resulted in seven police cars being damaged, likely costing the taxpayer thousands of pounds to fix.”

Teenager, 15, charged following violent disorder in Liverpool

10:20 , Jacob Phillips

Two more people have been charged with violent disorder after unrest in Merseyside last week.

Dylan Carey, 26, of Castle Hill Road in Hindley, Greater Manchester, is listed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder on St Luke’s Road in Southport last Tuesday.

A 15-year-old boy from Liverpool is due to appear charged with violent disorder on Paradise Street in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.

Eight people charged following Nottingham protests

10:18 , Jacob Phillips

Eight people have been charged in connection with disturbances that broke out during protests in Nottingham city centre at the weekend.

Nottinghamshire Police arrested 15 people at a protest in the city’s Old Market Square on Saturday, with one woman and seven men aged between 18 and 46 now charged with a variety of crimes, including public order, weapon offences and assaulting an emergency worker.

Three people have been released with no further action while investigations continue on others, the force said on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “The vast majority of the public who attended carried out their right to protest in a peaceful manner. Those who were intent on causing problems were dealt with robustly.

“It should be repeated that anyone who comes into the city or our neighbourhoods over the coming days to cause any kind of disorder can expect a robust response from us.

“It simply won’t be tolerated.”

Six people charged with offences following riots outside hotel in Rotherham

09:47

Six people have been charged with offences following rioting outside a hotel in Rotherham on Sunday, South Yorkshire Police said.

Lee Crisp, 42, of Mount Road, Grimethorpe, Christopher Rodgers, 38, of Millmoor Road, Barnsley, and Liam Grey, 20, of Randerson Drive, Mexborough, have been charged with violent disorder.

Two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have also been charged with violent disorder.

Joshua Simpson, 26, of Sherbrook Street, Lincoln, has been charged with violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker.

The force said all six are due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.

Rioters could face up to ten years in prison

09:22

Far-right thugs taking part in riots in Britain were warned by a minister on Tuesday that they face prison sentences of up to ten years, reports our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil.

Courts minister Heidi Alexander stressed that hundreds more jail places were being fast-tracked into use so individuals found guilty of public disorder and other offences can be locked up.

When quizzed by how long prison sentences could be on Good Morning Britain the minister said: “Ten years, seven years, five years for some of the offences that I’ve just spoken about.”She described witnessing footage of violent disorder, racist attacks, and “dangerous extremism”.

Read the full story here.

Police attacked with petrol bombs and bricks in Belfast

09:13 , Jacob Phillips

Police officers were attacked with petrol bombs and bricks in south Belfast on Monday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.

Petrol was also poured over a police Land Rover and set alight. No police officers were inside or were harmed in the incident.

Meanwhile, a man in his 30s is in a serious condition in hospital after being attacked in the Donegall Road and Oban Street area of Belfast in a suspected hate crime.

Police said witnesses reported seeing his attackers stamp on his head as members of the public attempted to shield him from further attack.

A 15-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remained in police custody on Tuesday morning.

It came after a protest and counter-protest involving approximately 40 people in the area of Ormeau Avenue at around 5pm on Monday.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said this disorder, violence and destruction “has no place in Belfast or anywhere else across the streets of Northern Ireland”.

“We are engaging with groups that have been affected by this disorder and we are gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage to progress criminal investigations,” she said.

“We are working at pace to identify offenders and make arrests. We are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact us on 101.”

Third man charged over violent disorder in Bristol

09:09 , Jacob Phillips

A third man has been charged in connection with violent disorder in Bristol city centre on Saturday, Avon and Somerset Police has said.

Ashley Harris, 36, of Chipperfield Drive, Kingswood was charged with violent disorder and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The two other men, aged 45 and 39, were also charged with Section 4 public order offences on Sunday and are due in court in September.

A total of 17 people have been arrested so far following the Bristol disruption.

Vigil held for three young girls murdered in Southport

09:03 , Jacob Phillips

Hundreds of people have attended a peaceful vigil in Southport a week on from the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Children blew bubbles and others left flowers and heart-shaped balloons on Monday evening in remembrance of the victims of the stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

Hundreds of bubbles were donated by local shops, arcades, charities and families of the victims, the event’s organiser said.

Teddy bears and toys were among the other gifts left in memory of the victims at the “Swifties Bubble Blow – Kisses To Heaven” event.

Many of the children at the vigil were dressed in pink, with some leaving chalk messages on the pavement in front of The Atkinson arts centre in Southport town centre.

'Social media giants have moral responsibility to stop misleading content'

08:33 , Jacob Phillips

The Government will take a “very robust approach” to social media firms in the wake of the riots, Heidi Alexander said.

The justice minister told Sky News: “The idea that you can sit behind a computer screen or sit behind the screen of your mobile phone and somehow think that that protects you from the law is for the birds.

“So we will take a very robust approach to the social media companies, I know that Peter Kyle the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is already in conversation with them.

“There has been some welcome action where there has been automated removal of some false information, but I do think the social media companies could and should be doing more.

“They have got a moral responsibility not to be propagating and disseminating misleading and inflammatory content on their platforms.”

Justice minister says over 500 prison places made available for rioters

07:58 , Jacob Phillips

The justice minister has said “there will be a prison place waiting” for anyone who is given a custodial sentence as a result of the riots and disorder.

Heidi Alexander told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “What we have been able to do in the last week since the problems have arisen is that we have been able to bring forward some additional prison places that we had been due to bring on stream later in the month. There are 567 additional prison places.”

Asked whether there were enough lawyers to deal with the amount of prosecutions coming forward, and the possibility courts could sit through the night, the justice minister told Times Radio: “I think we will make it work, because these are extraordinary circumstances and we need to be delivering swift justice.”

She also revealed more detail about the planned “standing army” of police officers, telling Times Radio: “These are police officers who have had specialist training in dealing with public order offences.

“We had 4,000 available at the weekend. There will be another 2,000 available this week. It also means that police officers are able to be deployed in parts of the country where they are needed most.”

Minister criticises Elon Musk for 'civil war' comments

07:29 , Jacob Phillips

Ministers have continued to criticise Elon Musk for claiming “civil war” in the UK is “inevitable” as rioting continues.

Justice minister Heidi Alexander told Times Radio: “I agree with what the spokesperson on behalf of the Prime Minister was saying yesterday. I do think these comments are unjustifiable.

“If you have got a platform, a large social media platform, then you have also got a responsibility.

“I think it is deeply irresponsible, I think everyone should be appealing for calm.

“Use of language such as a ‘civil war’ is in no way acceptable.

“We are seeing police officers being seriously injured, buildings set alight, and so I really do think that everyone who has a platform should be exercising their power responsibly.”

Bricks thrown at police in Darlington

07:27 , Jacob Phillips

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer after violence broke out in Darlington on Monday evening.

Bricks were thrown at police offices as “sporadic pockets of violent disorder” broke out, Durham Police said.

Police worked through the night to disperse protesters.

Where could protests happen in London?

07:06

Reports that far-Right thugs are planning protests in four London boroughs are being assessed by the Metropolitan Police.A list is circulating on social media which appears to have been drawn up by extremists.

It includes a series of possible locations for demonstrations around the country including four in the capital.

One of them is Harrow in north west London, another is Hounslow in west London, a third is in Finchley, north London with the fourth in Walthamstow, north east London.

Finchley & Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman has urged calm among the locals and said she is in touch with the Met Police.

Rioting continues in Belfast

06:58 , Jacob Phillips

Police have dealt with further violence as around 100 people gathered in the Donegall Road area of south Belfast.

Footage on social media showed a significant police presence in the area and officers being attacked with missiles.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Monday night that it was dealing with ongoing disorder and advised the public to avoid the Donegall Road and Sandy Row areas.

It followed violence which saw businesses damaged after an anti-immigration protest in the city on Saturday.

A smaller protest had taken place on Monday evening in Belfast city centre.

Six arrests following disorder in Plymouth

06:51 , Jacob Phillips

Six people were arrested in Plymouth on Monday as specialist officers were deployed to tackle the disorder.

Devon and Cornwall Police said several officers “suffered minor injuries” due to violence across the city.

A spokesperson said: “Our approach to this operation was to enable peaceful protests, but people who were intent on committing public order or criminal offences, have and will be dealt with robustly.

“This is the style of policing that we have delivered and what our communities expect.

“Violence will not be tolerated, hate will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to keep the people of Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly safe and reduce anti-social behaviour.”

Counter demonstrators also gathered to face off far-right protesters in the city.