Britain’s riot carnage deepens: Police damage as violence rages

Riots continue to rage across Britain as far-right thugs have brought carnage to the country’s streets – as brave police officers have been left injured as they desperately try to combat the chaos. 

Tensions fuelled by misinformation following the mass stabbing in Southport have sparked across the UK, with mayhem breaking out in Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, Bristol, Stoke and Leeds.

Shocking images show cars and shops torched on the streets of Hull, while footage appeared to show demonstrators rushing an Asian man in his car as they shouted ‘p***’, smashing his window as clouds of black smoke billowed overhead.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his ‘full support’ for police to take action against ‘extremists’ attempting to ‘sow hate’ by intimidating communities – as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England. 

But forces across the country have reported injuries among their ranks – with sick yobs pictured chucking bricks and beating officers as they try to defend the nation’s streets.

One striking photo showed a shell-shocked officer staring into the camera as her colleagues tended to her, while further video saw a lone cop forced off his motorbike and beaten by a hoard of thugs in Liverpool.

Unverified reports on social media suggested a man was stabbed in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. However, Staffordshire Police denied that an attack had taken place in the town, with no stabbings reported to cops or emergency services. 

Footage posted online showed groups of Muslims gathering to ‘defend mosques’. Many appeared to be carrying sticks, though they said they were in the city ‘peacefully’.

Major violence unfolded in Manchester when a massive brawl was swiftly broken up by officers wielding batons after a man allegedly threw a flare. Protesters tore down fences to hurl at other demonstrators as police put themselves between rival groups.

Footage showed men clutching cups of alcohol shouting and jeering as others jumped into a jumbled fight, each side grappling one another and ripping clothing.

In Nottingham, protesters waved England flags and made gestures at police while in Liverpool, activists hurled bricks and a scooter at police officers as the protests threatened to spill over into all-out violence. 

At Southend-on-Sea, Essex Police have issued a dispersal order across the city’s beachfront. 

And in Hull, tear gas was deployed against demonstrators who smashed the windows of a hotel housing asylum seekers. Three officers were injured and four arrests were made, Humberside Police said. 

Shocking scenes appeared to show an Asian man attacked after he reversed into a fence trying to escape the mob – while cars were torched and vandalised in an afternoon of rampant chaos.

A Shoezone was pictured with smashed windows and a raging fire inside, while a Greggs and a Specsavers had also been targeted by men with face coverings throwing stones.

More than 35 ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstrations are planned across the UK this weekend, with several counter-protests by groups such as Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism also set to take place.

Today, 24 rallies are taking place –  22 of which are Enough is Enough protests, one an anti-racist protest and one is said to be a peaceful vigil.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his ‘full support’ for the police to take action against ‘extremists’ attempting to ‘sow hate’ by intimidating communities as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England.

Widespread disruption has torn through the country this week in the wake of the Southport stabbings, where three little girls were tragically killed.

The riots in cities including London and Hartlepool are thought to be triggered by misinformation spread online as to the identity of the teenager suspected of killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, who was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, was eventually named as the suspect in a bid to stop the chaos.

Southport locals – including Elsie’s mother – have desperately pleaded for the violence to stop to no avail.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly said PM Sir Keir Starmer and the Home Secretary need to ‘do more’ to restore public order and ‘send a clear message to the thugs’.

There is a big turnout in Nottingham today, where counter-protesters seem to outnumber the Enough is Enough members.

Over 400 counter-protesters also massed in Cardiff, including Black Lives Matter and Stand Up to Racism, in contrast to a small number of demonstrators.

At least three people were led away in handcuffs as demonstrators faced counter-protesters in the city.

Police separated the two groups in King Street as projectiles including cans, bottles, eggs and fruit were thrown, with some hitting officers.

In Liverpool, photos show officers kicking a flare away after it was launched into the crowd. 

An officer was kicked and knocked off his motorbike this afternoon in shocking scenes as the protests escalated dramatically in the city.

A chair was also thrown at an officer and hit him on the head, as bricks and bottles were also thrown. 

Merseyside Police said multiple officers had been injured trying to police the demonstrations in the city.

The force 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 harm’s way, will not be tolerated. And we will be arresting those responsible.’

At 9am this morning, hundreds of counter-protesters gathered at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester ready to face off with the Enough is Enough members.

Around half an hour later, the protesters turned up dressed in balaclavas and England flags.

Police separated anti-immigration protesters chanting Tommy Robinson’s name from the counter-rally organised by anti-hate groups in Manchester.

Shocking scenes appeared to show a black man being surrounded and beaten up after he was accosted by crowds of thugs, being kicked in the face before he was surrounded, backed against a wall and beaten. 

After he was dragged along the floor, police rushed the scene – as violent yobs attempted to get past them and continue to attack him, chanting ‘save our kids’.

Two men have been arrested, one for drunk and disorderly and another after storming into the group of counter-demonstrators.

Some of those attending draped themselves in England flags, while others wore balaclavas and sunglasses to disguise their faces. One attendee waved a sign reading: ‘Save our kids’.

Greater Manchester Police later issued a Section 34 dispersal order for the city centre after anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators had to be separated.

The notice, issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 at 11am, gives police the right to order people to leave a specified area if they are committing or are suspected to be committing, anti-social behaviour.

Mounted police and lines of officers were pictured containing demonstrators – many of whom wore masks, hats, sunglasses and hoodies.

A number of people reportedly ran into a Sainsbury’s and tore through the store. 

There are chants of ‘Tommy Robinson‘ heard from the protesting group – estimated to have around 150 activists – and ‘whose streets? our streets’ from the counter side, of around 350 people.

Metal fences were seen lying on the floor after protesters ripped them down as riot police and mounted officers rushed in to the crowd, where punches were being thrown.

Chants of ‘save our kids’ and ‘we want Starmer out’ were also heard from those gathered as the fighting broke out.

Sir Keir Starmer said police have the Government’s ‘full support’ to take action against ‘extremists’ attacking officers and attempting to ‘sow hate’ as he held crisis talks with ministers over the violence across parts of England.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she would work with forces to help ensure ‘consequences, arrests and prosecutions’ for those responsible.

She added that communities have a ‘right to feel safe,’ as she insisted the police have the Government’s full support to take the ‘strongest possible action’.

Asked what ministers could do to help counter the violence, the Home Secretary said: ‘The police need to lead operations in communities across the country where there has been both violent disorder and thuggery on the streets, which is completely unacceptable, completely damaging and where the police need to, they have our full support, taking the strongest possible action, making sure that these criminals face the full force of the law.

‘And also already there are some of the suspects and perpetrators have already been arrested, already facing charges and are in custody, but we expect more of that to continue and we will support the police every step of the way. Communities have a right to be able to feel safe.’

A Downing Street spokesperson said: ‘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.’

A video shared on social media from Blackburn suggested far-right activists were demanding to see locals’ passports.

And in Blackpool, cops moved to protect the war memorial, as the iconic Prom was closed. Items were thrown at police vehicles as a police dog tore a flag from two protesters’ arms and then tackled a man.

Chairs were flung between rioters and punks gathered for the Rebellion festival in the seaside destination.

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.

Separately, police in Belfast this afternoon deployed Land Rovers to keep an ‘anti-Islam’ protest separated from an anti-racism counter protest. This does not seem to be affiliated with Enough is Enough.

Eyewitnesses say protesters chanted ‘Islam out’ in front of Belfast City Hall as they unfurled Union flags. 

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they are treating reports of criminal damage as ‘hate crimes’, and have made two arrests.

The rally was staged in response to calls on social media for ‘anti-Islamic’ protests.

The PSNI previously said it was aware of social media posts calling for protests including ‘specific calls to block roads using women and children’.

PSNI officers in riot gear were deployed with 4x4s to keep protesters separated – as fireworks were thrown in the direction of the police.

The force said on X it was aware of ‘several planned protests across Northern Ireland today and will be in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved.’

In a post on X, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “Shame on those involved in violent disorder in Belfast today.

“Hatred has no place in our society. I commend the officers of the PSNI for everything they have done to keep people safe.”

At 10am, a small crowd began to gather at Portsmouth’s Guildhall in Hampshire.

Images shared on social media showed many of those attending came with England and Union flags, while at least one attendee came with a sign bearing online conspiracy theories.

Others came with a flag bearing the inscription: ‘Stop mass immigration’.

Hampshire Constabulary said no incidents have been reported from the demonstration in Portsmouth this morning.

A small but concentrated gathering of people assembled on the steps of the Guildhall in the city centre and were met with a handful of counter-protesters.

It came after a demonstration outside Potters International Hotel in nearby Aldershot on Wednesday led to disruption as a ‘minority’ of protesters began shouting racist abuse.

At 12pm, protesters also began to congregate at Victoria Square in Hull.

Just before 3pm, violence broke out after a protester threw a rock at a line of police officers.

The protesters seem to be trying to get to asylum seekers in a hotel – smashing the windows – and pelted officers with abuse.

The riot police began deploying tear gas in the demonstrator’s faces. 

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: ‘Officers are currently in attendance at a protest that began in Hull City Centre this afternoon, Saturday 3 August.

‘A road closure has been put in place on Ferensway and we advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time.’

Video posted online also shows crowds of people outside of the Royal Hotel, next to Hull train station, with chants of ‘get them out’ heard. The hotel is one of three used to house asylum seekers in the area.

Social media was buzzing with locals warning each other to remain vigilant around Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent today.

One man posted a video warning people to avoid Hanley Town Hall and to ‘protect your places of worship’ but ‘don’t engage them in the streets’.

A Facebook user posted: ‘Not quite sure what’s happening up Hanley and Stoke today regarding the protests but please bear in mind people there are families of many different backgrounds and children out and about today on the school holidays shopping and enjoying the sun.

‘We have enough trouble going on on this world, let’s not add to it. Stay safe and peaceful.’

Large crowds were seen gathering in Hanley shortly after 12pm as they marched through the town centre streets. 

Stoke-on-Trent’s MPs came together to condemn the protests in Hanley today, describing the participants as ‘far-right extremists’.

MP Gareth Snell posted on Facebook saying ‘racism is not patriotism’. Dr Alison Gardner, Stoke-on-Trent South, and David Williams, Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove added that ‘political extremists’ were in the city’to spread division and sow the seeds of hate’.

Police denied that there had been a stabbing, countering claims made on social media.

In a statement, the force said: ‘There is growing speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today. We can confirm this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media.

‘We can confirm a man was injured after being hit by a blunt object that was thrown. His injuries are not thought to be serious and he has been taken to hospital for treatment.

‘Four men have been arrested in connection with the disorder and are currently in custody for questioning.

‘A number of protesters have dispersed from the location while a large-scale policing presence with specialist public order resources remain in the area.

‘A section 34 dispersal notice has also been authorised, allowing police to disperse people who may return to the area.’

Protesters could be seen facing up to police officers draped in England football flags and Union flags, and covering their faces.

There are around one hundreds police officers on duty, with several riot vans and dog units deployed to the centre.

Chants of ‘we hate Nazis’ by the anti-protest group were heard outside Hanley Town Hall.

Shops in the town centre, particularly along Stafford Street, were advised to close.

In Leeds, a pro-Palestine counter protest amassed  ahead of a planned march organised by English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson.

Chants of ‘England ’til I die’ were heard and the pro-Palestine march replied with ‘Nazi scum off our streets’.

Around 150 demonstrators wore St George’s Crosses and pro Reform UK placards wearing ‘free Tommy Robinson’ t-shirts.

Leeds Art Gallery has locked its doors ‘for safety purposes’ as the clashes occurred right outside its doors.

Tensions also erupted in Liverpool this afternoon, as police confirmed a Section 60 Order has been introduced in the city centre and surrounding areas today.

The Section 60 Order  – giving stop and search powers – was put in place at midday and will stay active for a 12-hour period until midnight.

Police have also put a Section 34 Dispersal Order in place. Under this legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used for anti-social behaviour.

Officers closed the Strand along the waterfront at 3.30pm in an effort to calm the simmering tensions, while some shops were ‘locked down’ as thugs flooded the streets.

An officer was kicked and knocked off his motorbike this afternoon. As it happened, a traffic cone was thrown and a protester held a wooden pole as they shouted ‘save our kids’.

Police separated groups of demonstrators outside the Cunard Building on The Strand in Liverpool.

The windscreen of a police van was smashed as bricks and plastic barriers were thrown.

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.

Anti-fascist protesters sang: ‘Where’s your Tommy gone?’ At one point a group of men with masks and hoods up appeared to try and charge police officers who stood with batons.

Officers with riot shields and helmets moved the crowd back and cans, bottles and coins were thrown. Police with dogs also moved in to separate the groups.

Two groups of protesters met at the Pier Head in Liverpool, in front of the Liver Buildings.

Chants of ‘save our kids’ and ‘stop the boats’ were heard from crowds gathered closer to the waterfront.

Riot vans arrived on Water Street, as police continue to separate opposing protests at the waterfront.

On one side, crowds are shouting ‘where’s your Tommy gone?’ while the other side is chanting ‘get them out’ and ‘stop the boats’, according to the Liverpool Echo.

In Nottingham, protesters with St George’s and union flags in the Market Square have been met with counter-protesters chanting ‘racist scum off our streets’ and ‘Nazis not welcome’.

Scuffles broke out at about 3pm, with bottles and other items thrown from both sides.

But chants of ‘England until I die’ and ‘Tommy Robinson’ were drowned out by boos.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly said the Prime Minister and Home Secretary need to ‘do more’ to restore public order and ‘send a clear message to the thugs’.

The Tory leadership contender said in a statement: ‘In opposition Labour voted against public order measures we brought forward to give our police more powers to keep our streets clear, calm and safe, and Keir Starmer taking the knee sent completely the wrong message. There is never a justification for disorder like this.

‘Now they are in Government Labour need to clamp down immediately on the violence that we have seen across the country and send a clear message to the thugs that they will be met with the full strength of the law.

‘The public expects the Government to restore order. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary must do more to demonstrate that they are gripping this situation.

‘They should be giving regular updates alongside the police so potential rioters know that they won’t get away with this and they must haul the tech companies in to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of disinformation fuelling these events.’

Sunderland Central Labour MP Lewis Atkinson said a link could be drawn between the disorder in his constituency on Friday and the ashes of the English Defence League (EDL), which was founded by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon. 

The EDL has disbanded but its supporters remain active, and Mr Atkinson said evidence suggested a Nazi offshoot of the group was involved in the violence in his constituency on Friday, in which a police station was torched and a mosque attacked.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said four officers were injured during the violence in the city and 10 people have been arrested.

He told reporters that those involved in the disorder should ‘expect to be met with the full force of the law’, adding: ‘This was not a protest, this was unforgivable violence and disorder.’

Chairman of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, Qari Asim, said the Muslim community is ‘deeply worried and anxious about the planned protests by the far right groups across the country’.

He said: ‘This intimidation and violence is the inevitable, devastating, outcome of rising Islamophobia that has been enabled to fester on social media, in parts of the mainstream media and by some populist leaders.’

Meanwhile, Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick said ‘elements of the far right’ appear to be involved in the rioting while fellow contender Priti Patel denounced the ‘thuggery’ and said MPs should unite in condemnation.

Mr Atkinson said he was ‘really sad’ for Sunderland after a group of ‘racists’ descended on the city on Friday and attacked police, setting a police station and two cars on fire and targeting a mosque.

He added: ‘A night of idiots will not prevent us from building.’

Asked how the disorder had happened, Mr Atkinson told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that protests had been suggested by people in a number of social media groups in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

He said: ‘The far right, for example Stephen Yaxley Lennon, picked up on those and started promoting those and encouraging known far right individuals to join.’

Individuals who were involved with the EDL are ‘still out there’ and need to be kept under surveillance, he said.

Mr Jenrick said ‘if there is a case’ for proscribing the EDL it should be ‘considered’, when asked by the BBC.

Leadership contender and former home secretary Ms Patel demanded Parliament be recalled over the violence and criticised the Government response, saying: ‘Saying the nation is ‘braced for disorder’ is not only breathtakingly complacent, but both troubling and inadequate.

‘The Government is now in danger of appearing to be swept away with events rather than maintaining control of them.’

Thousands of people had turned out to pay their respects to Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, at a vigil in Southport on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer later condemned ‘thugs’ who had travelled to the town to cause unrest.

The unrest poses the biggest challenge yet of Sir Keir’s premiership, evoking the scale of public disorder last seen during the 2011 riots.

There were a series of riots in August 2011 in cities and towns across England, which started in Tottenham Hale, north east London, after the killing of Mark Duggan, who was shot dead by police on August 4.

Education Secretary and minister for women and equalities, and MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, Bridget Phillipson, posted on X, saying: ‘The scenes in our city centre tonight are shocking. We have seen unforgivable violence and thuggery.

‘The criminals involved in this appalling disorder must be identified, prosecuted and punished with the full force of the law.’

Rudakubana is also charged with the attempted murders of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and with possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He was remanded to youth detention accommodation and will next appear in court in October.