Riot police will remain on high alert despite a ‘turning point’ after Wednesday’s planned protests largely failed to materialise, police chiefs said last night.
Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets to face down far-Right rioters after police warned up to 160 demonstrations were planned across the country.
But just 36 saw disorder and arrests, raising hopes the worst of the unrest was over.
National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Gavin Stephens said a further 20 potential gatherings and three counter-protests were believed to have been planned for last night – and forces remained ‘very focused on the weekend’ with 5,000 public order officers available.
Mr Stephens praised the response of the public to the thuggery. ‘What we saw last night was, I suppose, the very best of Team UK in that people came out on to the street in their hundreds of thousands to stand up to this terrible violence.
Riot police will remain on high alert despite a ‘turning point’ after Wednesday’s planned protests largely failed to materialise, police chiefs said last night. Pictured: Police officers in Walthamstow
Anti-racist protesters hold up placards in Walthamstow, east London on Wednesday
Crowds of anti-far right protesters gather in Walthamstow on WednesdayÂ
‘Although [we saw] a turning point last night [Wednesday]… there are many potential events still being advertised and circulated online. Those intent on violence have not gone away.’
Scotland Yard commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his force smashed into the homes of the ‘most violent’ rioters from last Wednesday’s protest in Whitehall, detaining ten.
Sir Mark said it was ‘nonsense’ that the rioters were patriots, protesters or decent citizens.
‘They’re thugs and criminals,’ he added. ‘Around 70 per cent have previous convictions for weapon possession, violence, drugs and other serious offences. Some have football banning orders.’ Mark Williams, head of the National Police Co-ordination Centre, said: ‘We will continue to monitor [intelligence channels] to ensure that we mobilise and work with the local forces to be ready for anything. We will put whatever resources at whatever cost to dealing with this.’
Counter protesters hold up banners saying ‘Refugees welcome. Stop the far right’ in London on Wednesday
A lone right-wing protester draped in an England flag watches as crowds gather for a rally against the far-right and racism in Finchley on Wednesday
A protester holds a placard during a counter demonstration against an anti-immigration protest called by far-right activists, outside the Asylum Welcome immigration support service offices in Oxford on Wednesday
Anti-racism counter protesters gathered ahead of a potential anti-immigration protest on Wednesday
At least 104 officers have been injured with bone fractures and severe bruising, many of whom require hospital care.
There were clear signs yesterday that the troublemakers’ ability to organise was being curtailed.
Many chat groups on the messaging app Telegram that have been used by thugs were closed down. And long jail sentences appeared to reduce the appetite for more mayhem.
