UK riots: Plymouth protest turns 'violent' as police 'taking action'

A night of violent protest on the streets of Plymouth saw disorder break out in the city centre, with "several" police officers injured. Some in attendance threw fireworks, bricks, and other projectiles at the waiting line of officers.

Around 150 Devon and Cornwall Police officers flooded the city centre (August 5), as far right protesters took to the streets and squared off with counter protestors on Royal Parade. Amid a series of public order and assault offences, multiple arrests appear to have been made.

During the hours of violent disorder, damage to a shopfront in the city centre also took place, with the doors and windows of TK Maxx shattered from repeated blows. In a statement confirming multiple injured officers, a spokesperson for the police said anyone involved in breaking the law "have and will be dealt with robustly."

Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls for Parliament to be recalled in the face of the rioting.

Several MPs from across the political spectrum have appealed with the Prime Minister to recall Parliament early from its summer recess in light of the current situation.

However so far the PM has refused and instead said he was focused on ensuring police can carry out their duties.

In addition, Downing Street also criticised X owner Elon Musk for claiming “civil war is inevitable” in the UK, with officials suggesting online misinformation fuelling disorder on Britain’s streets may be being amplified by foreign state actors.

There have been at least 378 arrests since the violence broke out last week, with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) warning the total is expected to rise each day.

A video posted on social media shows a man on Royal Parade approaching the line of riot police and being knocked to the ground.

The man appears to square up to the police line, before being hit once with a riot shield. He returns, only to be hit harder and knocked to the ground.

A firework is then fired at the police.

Some brick paving in Plymouth city centre appears to have been ripped up, and witnesses told us bricks have been thrown at police.

Downing Street has criticised X owner Elon Musk for claiming "civil war is inevitable" in the UK.

Musk made the claim in response to an account which described the riots as “the effects of mass migration and open borders”.

Amid widespread criticism of what many users of his platform said was a highly irresponsible comment, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has now also condemned Mr Musk’s intervention.

Sir Keir’s official spokesman told journalists there is “no justification” for such comments.

Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has warned children who get involved in disorder could face life-long consequences.

He said: "One of the most striking features of the current outbreak of disorder is that many young people are involved. Children as young as 11. This is deeply disturbing.

"They may face life-long consequences: conviction, and a permanent record of their involvement on the Police National Database. This can limit their employment options in the future and ability to travel to certain countries."

Jim Colwell, Acting Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, wrote on social media: "Very brave, robust policing in Plymouth this evening.

"Devon and Cornwall officers, supported by colleagues from across the region, responding to abhorrent, mindless criminal behaviour."

The Northern Ireland Assembly will be recalled later this week to discuss violent scenes after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast.

Several businesses were attacked during the violence on Saturday and business owners said the Islamic community was deliberately targeted.

A Devon and Cornwall police officer has said "sustained violence" erupted after protests in Plymouth and three officers were injured during clashes in the city.

Speaking at the scene, bronze commander Inspector Ryan North Moore told Sky News: "This is not a protest anymore. In my opinion, this is violence. This is sustained violence.

"Unfortunately, large masonry was thrown at us, whether it was aimed at us or others or opposing groups - we don't know yet. The investigation will identify that. But, yes, three officers down."

Asked how difficult it was to police the protest, Inspector Moore said: "It's off the scale today. With the resources we've got, it's difficult."

More police officers are arriving at the scene in Plymouth, according to Sky News.

Police dogs are being used against protesters, while projectiles are being thrown.

Officers have been positioned outside a Poundland shop, amid concerns of looting by some protesters.

Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard said protesters who have "thrown projectiles at people" are "not what Plymouth is about".

In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: "There is absolutely no place for violence on our streets. There's no place for hate on our streets.

"Plymouth is a brilliant place to live, work and play. The diversity of our city makes us stronger - doesn't make us weaker.

"And we know that those people who have come to our city tonight, who have brought violence onto our streets, who have thrown projectiles at people, who have abused people because of their background or their skin colour or their faith, they have no place in our city.

"That's not what Plymouth is about - that's not who we are. Thank you to the police for keeping us safe, to services from the city council to local businesses who have all taken steps to reassure people, to keep people safe.

"We have still got a long way to go tonight, but there is no place for hate in Plymouth, no place for violence on our streets."

This video footage shows police battling to keep rival protesters apart in Plymouth.

Sky News is reporting that tensions are far from dissipating in Plymouth.

These pictures show police battling to keep anti-immigrant, far right and anti-racism protesters apart along with activists in support of migrants gathered in Plymouth.

Shabnam Choudhri, a former senior police officer at Scotland Yard, has said there is the potential for the unrest in Plymouth to escalate.

Ms Choudhri told Sky News that even if Section 34 dispersal orders are imposed it would still be "difficult" for the police to regain order given the resources they have.

She said: "This is a really difficult situation for Devon and Cornwall Police to be able to manage, a street which is a mile long [would be] difficult to contain."

Anti-racism protesters and anti-immigration demonstrators have taken to the streets of Plymouth.

There have been skirmishes between police and anti-immigration protesters, according to Sky News.

An officer from Devon and Cornwall's gold command unit says what is happening is "off the scale" in relation to the resources at the force's disposal.

Police have by and large kept the two groups of protesters separate.

Protesters from anti-racism group, Stand up to Racism, have remained static, according to Sky News, while there have been clashes between far right thugs and Asian men.

The protesters are gathered in a street said to be about a mile long, making policing those assembled challenging.

Violent clashes have broken out intermittently, according to Sky, which reports it is not easy to determine which groups are involved at this stage.

Bricks and flares have been thrown, according to reports from Sky and Plymouth Live.

A man has been arrested in connection with the disorder in Southport last Tuesday.

Merseyside Police said a 30-year-old from Newton-le-Willows was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and taken into custody to be interviewed.

He is the 13th person to be arrested in connection with the disorder in Southport and the 39th after disorder in Merseyside in the past week.

Asst Ch Constable Jenny Sims said: "Our work to identify all those responsible for the despicable violence and aggression seen on the streets of Southport on Tuesday has made fantastic progress.

"I am pleased to say that members of the public are equally disgusted by this violence and damage and continue to come forward with images and footage. They, like us, were outraged at the destruction carried out in the heart of our communities and the sickening assaults on officers and want to see those responsible put behind bars.

"We have seen 11 people charged in connection with the disorder, with 10 remanded in custody, and there will be more to come."

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has said officers have now arrested 17 people for a range of offences as its investigation into disorder in Bristol on Saturday night continues.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder overnight and remains in police custody.

Of the 16 other people arrested at the weekend, two have been charged and 13 have been released on police bail with conditions including not to enter Bristol city centre as the investigations continue, according to the force.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: "This morning I was part of a positive and constructive COBRA meeting with the Prime Minister about our collective response to hateful behaviour and violent disorder across the country.

"There’s been a story running all day about my exit from the meeting. This is a distraction from the critical events we are dealing with.

"It was agreed the Prime Minister would provide an update afterwards and it was not my place to speak publicly. In an effort to move a microphone out of my path I’m sorry that I knocked it to the floor. That was never my intention.

"We remain focused on the critical and urgent matters at hand."

Police are said to have escorted two "right-wing protesters" away from crowds in Oxford city centre.

Oxford Mail reporter Edward Burnett tweeted: "Apparently a couple of right-wing protesters approached the crowds in Oxford city centre but police removed them immediately."

Images accompanying the post show anti-racism placards among the crowd.

Footage has been posted on X which reportedly shows police in Belfast moving anti-immigration protesters away from counter-protesters outside a hotel in the city.

The video was shared by Kevin Scott, whose X bio says he is a visuals editor at the Belfast Telegraph.

Four people have been charged after protests in parts of Lancashire on Saturday.

​Officers arrested 22 people, with 20 of those arrests in Blackpool, one in Blackburn and another in Preston.

​Of those detained, 18 were bailed with four people now charged, according to Lancashire Police.

Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, has been charged with Section 4 racially aggravated public order. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

​Ben Smith, 32, of Dickson Road, Blackpool, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

​Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, was charged with assaulting an emergency worker. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

​A 17-year-old boy, of no fixed abode, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court today.

Deputy Ch Cons Sam Mackenzie of Lancashire Constabulary said: "Four people have been charged and a number of people have been arrested, however, this is only the beginning of our enquiries.

"We have a dedicated team reviewing CCTV, and I expect there to be further arrests."

Two men and a woman have been convicted after the disorder in Sunderland.

Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith all pleaded guilty to violent disorder after last Friday's rioting.

Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, and Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, both admitted the offence when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside.

Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, admitted the same offence when appearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

All three have been remanded in custody until they are due to be sentenced.

A Section 60 Order has been extended in Liverpool, giving officers extra powers to search suspects.

The order applied from 5.18pm today and will stay active until 2am on Tuesday (August 6).

Merseyside Police's Inspector Jack Woodward said: "Our officers will be out tonight to ensure there is a highly visible police presence to reassure communities in the city centre, following the mindless disorder and violence we have witnessed taking place.

"The Section 60 order allows us to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality. This order will give officers on the ground the ability to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality.

"It is to prevent violence and disorder and keep the public safe, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers."

A former police officer turned expert consultant has told Express.co.uk the sheer number of potential places where riots might break out made it difficult for the police to know where to station officers.

Graham Wettone said: "You can't just police by threats on the internet. You could put officers on three different premises and they all go to a single one. I’ve had many times sitting outside [a potential target] where nothing happens and wondered, ‘Why am I even here?’ And it was because there was some mention that there might be an attack.

"[While you’re waiting] you can hear your colleagues coming under intense and challenging situations."

Mr Wettone said the weekend showed how difficult it could be when so many different places had been listed for protests and felt criticism of police over damage caused in Tamworth and Rotherham was unfair

He said: "I’ve seen criticism of the police response to the hotel attacks, saying they were mentioned online.

"But if you go down to the tactic of just securing premises, then you've got less resources to deal with those attendees who turn up. So there's a balance there.

"If you don’t have enough resources to stay with the group. They might turn up see a load of police vans outside the premises and go attack somewhere else."

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The head of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has said 378 arrests have been made so far.

NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens said: "So far 378 arrests have been made and we expect that total to rise each day as forces continue to identify those involved and continue to apprehend those responsible. Work is going on around the clock to do this and those involved will be brought to justice.

"We have been clear that this is not protest activity or people exercising their democratic right. It is unnecessary violence and we've seen important community hubs like a Citizen's Advice Bureau and a library completely destroyed."

The latest photos from Middlesbrough show shop owners helped by locals as they clean up after disorder. A mob smashed windows in the town.

A number of men have been charged and are appearing at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

The district judge refused bail to Simeon Eric McCullough, 46, of Schomberg Drive in Belfast, who was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

Bail was also refused to Gary Creighton, 38, from Inishowen Drive in Belfast, who was charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faced a charge of disorderly behaviour.

And bail was refused to a man described by police in court as playing a "significant role" in the protest in Belfast.

Bernard Lavery, 34, from Farnham Street in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court charged with taking part in an unnotified public procession.

A defence lawyer said his client had been fully co-operative with police and denied having any leadership role in the protest. He said his client had only attended after a flyer was posted through his door.

Mr Lavery was denied bail and was remanded in custody until September 2.

The Met Police has issued a statement after Commissioner Mark Rowley launched a journalist's microphone to the ground as he left a Cobra meeting earlier today.

Sir Rowley had been invited to meet Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Monday morning after a weekend of terror which saw police clash with violent protestors up and down the country.

A spokesperson for the force told Express.co.uk: "The Commissioner had a positive and constructive meeting with the Prime Minister and partners across government and policing. He was in a hurry to return to New Scotland Yard to take action on the agreed next steps."

Police in Plymouth have increased the amount of officers in the city centre after receiving "information" about an expected protest on Monday evening.

Devon and Cornwall Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew told Express.co.uk:

Far-right protestors could bring Britain to a standstill later this week with a whopping 39 riots planned in a single day.

Telegram channels linked to the far-right have hinted that protests will take place outside immigration centres up and down the length of England.

Locations of possible protests include parts of London, Essex, Merseyside and Yorkshire.

More people are continuing to be charged for a number of offences after a week of horrifying riots in dozens of UK towns and cities.

Gareth Metcalfe, 44, of Cambridge Gardens in Southport, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder in Southport last Tuesday - but he did not enter a plea.

Meanwhile two people have been charged in connection with disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, according to Staffordshire Police.

Jarrod Hollinshead, 26, of no fixed address, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words and or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and Lee Bodman, 52, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and breaching a criminal behaviour order.

They will appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on August 22. Police say their investigation into the disorder is continuing.

It comes as Greater Manchester Police announced that it arrested 19 people while policing protests over the weekend, including two 16-year-olds.

Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman has ruled out recalling parliament, ignoring the demands of multiple parties now calling for MPs to return to Westminster amid the ongoing rioting.

Speaking to journalists this lunchtime, the spokesman did not rule out recalling parliament entirely, but said that the Government is not considering such a move at present.

He added that their focus is on ensuring "that communities are kept safe, to ensure that people who have participated in this violent disorder face the full force of the law”.

The move will infuriate opposition parties, with both Priti Patel and Nigel Farage now demanding that an emergency debate on the riots be held and MPs' holidays be kiboshed.

This morning former Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote to Sir Keir, Yvette Cooper and Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell, demanding a recall.

Police are reviewing video footage in which a police officer advised a group of men to "discard any weapons" at a mosque, to avoid being arrested.

The officer was filmed in a video, which was livestreamed on TikTok, addressing a crowd of men outside the Darul Falah mosque in Hanley, near Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.

Instead of arranging a search of the group to see if any had committed the offence of possession of an offensive weapon in public, for which they could be arrested and charged, the officer appeared to give them an amnesty.

Speaking through a loudspeaker, he is heard to say: "If there is any weapons or anything like that, then what I would do is discard them at the mosque."

Regarding an incident on Monday in which Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley appeared to grab a journalist's microphone and drop it onto the ground, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "The Commissioner had a positive and constructive meeting with the Prime Minister and partners across government and policing.

"He was in a hurry to return to New Scotland Yard to take action on the agreed next steps."

Sir Keir Starmer said a "standing army" of specialist police officers would be set up to deal with rioting and unrest.

Speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said: "There are a number of actions that came out of the meeting.

"The first is we will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them.

"The second is we will ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests, some have appeared in court this morning.

"I have asked for early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved in the process who will feel the full force of the law."

A pensioner who threatened police with a bat as violence flared in Liverpool on Saturday has been told he faces a custodial sentence.

Two police vans and several officers are outside Huddersfield station after rumours spread online about a possible protest similar one ones witnessed elsewhere at the weekend.

A photograph shared by freelance journalist Callum Scott showed police standing in front of the building.

He commented: "Large police presence outside Huddersfield railway station due to anticipated far-right rally at 1pm."

The situation appears to be calm at the moment however.

A 14-year-old from south Liverpool who threw fireworks at a police vehicle has admitted a charge of violent disorder at Clayton Square on Saturday.

Prosecuting, Joshua Sanderson-Kirk says the youngster was seen outside B&M on Clayton Square after the store was “looted” in a ”group of around 8 to 12”.

He adds: “Three of the males lit fireworks and set them off in the direction of members of the public. They exploded underneath a police carrier.

“Police officers gave chase. The boy was arrested. On being spoken to he said 'I’m sorry, I wasn’t firing them at you though'. Five fireworks were found on him, along with a lighter.”

Footage played to the court showed the boy with a firework in hand, lighting it and firing towards a police carrier.

Defending, Mr Kang said: “The court will naturally be concerned about a 14-year-old finding himself in these circumstances.

“He has no prior convictions whatsoever. He has never been in trouble with the police before. It is completely out of character for him."

The boy was released on bail until sentencing on August 27.

Posting on X, the University of Huddersfield said: "We are aware that social media is reporting that there will be a protest in Huddersfield town centre today from 1pm.

"The University is working closely with West Yorkshire Police, and are increasing security presence on campus as a precaution.

"We hope that Huddersfield remains calm and peaceful, but precautionary advice is to avoid the town centre this afternoon."

Ellis Wharton, 22, of Selwyn Street, Liverpool, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates' Court to burglary other than dwelling, with intent to steal, at Spellow Library on County Road in Walton.

Wharton, who had a black eye, pleaded not guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker, Pc Thomas Nielsen.

District Judge Timothy Boswell refused an application for bail and remanded him in custody to Liverpool Crown Court on August 29.

Wharton's brother Adam had appeared earlier in the morning and also indicated a guilty plea to the burglary charge, on the basis of joint enterprise.

Police commissioners could see households and businesses claiming for compensation of up to £1 million in the aftermath of riots erupting across the UK.

Under the law in England and Wales, victims of criminal damage to their property and possessions during a riot are entitled to claim for losses.

Questions about legal protection have been raised after several days of violent disorder in towns and cities including Liverpool, Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Hull.

Properties and shops including Shoe Zone, Sainsbury's, Lush and Greggs are among those believed to have been targeted by people damaging, looting and setting fire to buildings.

In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires.

Under the Riot Compensation Act, victims of damage, destruction and theft can claim for riot compensation if their home, business property, or possessions were not adequately insured.

For most of England and Wales, the Police and Crime Commissioners - elected officials who oversee local policing - in the area where riots took place will foot the bill for eligible claims, according to government guidance.

High street retailer Lush said its staff were "devastated" after the company's branch in Hull was targeted by looters amid a wave of rioting and violence over the weekend.

The Lush store in Hull was left with smashed front windows and products littered outside the front door after the fifth day of unrest on Saturday, one week on from the Southport stabbings.

It was one of several retailers hit over the weekend, including Hull's Shoe Zone outlet and a Sainsbury's Local branch in Manchester.

A spokesperson for Lush said: "We are devastated at what has happened to our beautiful shop in Hull and how our fellow retailers have also been treated.

"We are proud to be part of a multi-racial Britain and to be part of the wonderful, vibrant and diverse community of Hull.

"Our wonderful shop manager and team have worked tirelessly to get the shop ready to start trading again."

This morning's Cobra meeting appears to have finished, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood leaving the Cabinet Office.

Ms Mahmood ignored questions from the press as she walked to her car outside.

Derek Drummond, 58, represented by Jack Sweeney, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency services worker - PC Thomas Ball - in Southport on Tuesday.

Prosecuting, Joshua Sanderson-Kirk said: “PC Ball had been deployed to Southport after the attacks on Hart Street. At about 6pm he was deployed in uniform to the mosque on St Luke’s Road.

"He sighted a group of around 300 marching towards the mosque. The crowd were shouting this is our f***ing country and scumbag b******s. Numbers grew rapidly and officers had to withdraw. The crowd were shouting England till I die and let's get them.”

Mr Sanderson-Kirk says of the officer: “He had to draw his baton and was shouting get back. The crowd were shouting who the f*** is Allah.”

Drummond was then said to have shouted “s*** houses” before punching the officer in the face.

Another PC then “affected a baton strike” on the defendant, who went on to throw bricks and “breaking down a garden wall”.

PC Ball was left with injuries including cuts and bruises to his arms.

Mr Sweeney says it is not accepted that Drummond is shown throwing bricks on a clip shown to court. There was no application for bail.

Judge Boswell sent the case to the crown court to be sentenced on August 29 and says: “This court’s sentencing powers are insufficient. You will be remanded into custody.

“If there is to be a basis of plea, that should be provided by August 15.”

A pre-sentence report was also ordered.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has been filmed grabbing a journalist's microphone and throwing it on the floor as he stormed out of a Cobra meeting this morning.

The Met Commissioner attended the meeting in Westminster on Monday in response to the wave of violent riots happening across Britain.

He was asked a question about two-tier policing as he left the Cabinet Office, before taking hold of the journalist's mic and dropping it.

A man and a woman have been arrested after a racially aggravated assault in Walton, Liverpool yesterday.

At about 12.20pm, a report was received of an assault on County Road. Officers working with Citywatch quickly identified and detained two suspects nearby.

A woman was found and taken to hospital for assessment of head injuries.

A 24-year-old woman from Everton was arrested on suspicion of Racially aggravated assault.

A 30-year-old man from Everton was arrested on suspicion of Racially aggravated assault.

Both have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Steve Robinson said: "This was an incident which will have understandably shocked any witnesses, and one made even more despicable by what appears to have been an appalling hate crime element.

“At a time of much uncertainty in our communities, we are determined to investigate all such incidents and protect those people who are targeted."

“Two people are now under investigation so I would remind people not to post information which jeopardises this or any other ongoing matters. If you saw or captured the incident, come forward to us via @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 24000676843.”

Adam Wharton, 28-year-old, of Selwyn Street in Kirkdale, has admitted a charge of burglary with intent to steal at Spellow Library.

Prosecuting at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today, Joshua Sanderson-Kirk said: “Officers were dealing with large scale violent disorder. Officers dealt with arson, throwing bricks and glass. A police helicopter observed a male entering Spellow Hub Library, which had previously been burnt out and looted.”

The prosecution solicitor says one man was found inside the library carrying a computer monitor and adds: “Outside, the police found this defendant. He was wearing a balaclava and appeared to be profusely sweating.

“The crown say this defendant was acting as a lookout for his brother, who was inside.”

Wharton entered a guilty plea.

The case has now been transferred to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing.

The leader of Tamworth Borough Council, councillor Carol Dean, and its chief executive Stephen Gabriel have issued a joint statement condemning Sunday's violent attack on the town's Holiday Inn Express.

Their statement said: "The outbreak of violence and criminal damage is totally unacceptable.

"We will do everything in our power to support the authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to account for their actions.

"Everyone has a right to express their views, that must be done, peacefully and responsibly.

"While we understand and respect the right of citizens to express their concerns and opinions, we cannot and will not support actions that resort to violence, intimidations and disorder.

"These events are not a reflection of our town and its community."

Muslim leaders have issued a warning over a planned "far-right protest" in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire.

Posting on X, the Huddersfield Council of Mosques said: "We have been informed that there is an alleged far right protest planned for Huddersfield this afternoon.

"We are liaising with the Police and relevant authorities. We advise everyone to:

"Stay away from areas where the protest may be happening."

Also in Sunderland, 41-year-old man has pleaded guilty to violent disorder following unrest.

Andrew Smith, of High Street East, Sunderland, has been remanded in custody until September 2, when he will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court.

Shaun Doran, 48, of Villette Road, Sunderland, pleaded not guilty to the same offence when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

He was also remanded in custody until his next hearing, also to take place on September 2 at Newcastle Crown Court.

Away from Merseyside, a man has pleaded guilty to violent disorder after unrest in Sunderland on Friday.

Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, admitted the offence at South Tyneside Magistrates Court today.

The court heard he was seen on footage throwing a stone towards police officers while part of a large group.

He was wearing a balaclava but was identified by his “distinctive tattoos,” it was said.

Kellett was remanded in custody until his sentencing at crown court on September 2, after a district judge said his case was “too serious for this court”.

Ten people have been charged following violent scenes of disorder which broke out across the region, according to the Liverpool Echo - the youngest just 14.

Nine men and the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are all appearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court today.

The first men arrested in connection with the serious violence which flared in Liverpool on Saturday night have appeared in court, with prosecutors around the country working round the clock to process cases.

During the course of the evening, police vans were set alight and officers attacked, and a large group of people began to throw items towards a local mosque.

Cars were also set on fire.

Six people have been charged so far in connection with violent disorder which took place in Sunderland on Friday night – with more arrests made.

Northumbria Police shared a photograph of officers raiding a property in the city.

Defence Secretary John Healey, who is the local MP, arrived at the scene in Rotherham to talk to residents about "the damage they have suffered and the trauma they have suffered".

Mr Healey said: "This was an estate yesterday that was wracked with shock and fear.

"Many people in this estate here got holed up in their own homes or felt that they had to get their families out."

He said: "So, fear for the local residents. Fear for those staff in this hotel and the residents who saw the windows put through and people outside trying the set fire to this hotel knowing there were people inside.

"And then, of course, the violence that the police faced."

Asked, as Defence Secretary, whether he had an plans to mobilise the Army, Mr Healey said: "No. It's the police's job, their responsibility and they've got the powers to lead on disorder like this."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said Parliament will not be recalled in the wake of the weekend's widespread violence.

She told LBC: “That’s not what we’re doing right now.

"hat we’re doing right now is keeping in close contact with MPs.”

Local people joined council workers to clear up around the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Manvers, near Rotherham in South Yorkshire, also targeted by rioters last night, on Monday morning.

Police officers stood guard outside the main entrance and at other locations around the building as teams swept up glass from the numerous broken windows at the front of the hotel.

The fire door where rioters appeared to have got into the four-storey building was boarded up but with the melted remains of a bin still in place in front.

Further damage was visible around the rear of the property where fences were ripped down, doors kicked in and more windows smashed.

Ms Cooper said there would be a "reckoning" following unrest across England, as she pledged that anyone involved in the riots will "pay the price".

She told Sky News: "It's a total disgrace and there has to be a reckoning. Those individuals who are involved in the disorder need to know that they will pay a price."

"I've made clear to the police they have my full support in going after the full range of offenders, from those who turned up at the last minute and joined in the looting, to some of the most serious offenders who were pursuing really dangerous arson, really dangerous damage and criminal violence, because we simply cannot stand for this.

"So we should be clear, there will be people who were thinking they were going on their summer holidays this week, and instead they will face a knock on the door from the police."

There is no excuse for the "thuggery" and "disgraceful criminal behaviour" taking place across England, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said: "We saw disgraceful scenes of criminal violence and thuggery in some of our towns and cities.

"There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour, throwing bricks at police officers, the targeting of mosques, the looting of shops.

"It was total disgraceful criminal behaviour, and we should be clear, there will be a reckoning those criminals will pay the price. There have already been hundreds of arrests."

She added: "Social media companies need to take some responsibility, we also need to make sure that criminal activity online is being pursued, and I think it's really important that none of us forget this minority of thugs do not speak for Britain."

In demanding MPs return to Westminster, Nigel Farage has an unlikely ally in Diane Abbott.

Posting on X, the left-wing Labour MP for Hackney and Stoke Newington said: "Nationwide anti-immigrant riots on a scale never seen before.

"Threatening life, property and our police force. We need to recall Parliament."

Nigel Farage has called for Parliament to be recalled after a series of riots across England.

The Reform UK leader and Clacton MP insisted MPs must return to Westminster during the summer break for an "honest debate" about immigration.

He also hit out at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's "faltering" response to the crisis and warned the army may need to be brought in.

It comes as Downing Street is expected to hold a Cobra emergency response meeting on Monday after "thugs" tried to storm hotels housing asylum seekers on the sixth day of escalating disorder.

Police investigating reports of violence and disorder on the streets of Belfast on Saturday, August 3 have charged four men to court.

Sporadic violence developed across the city centre and further disorder was reported in the Sandy Row area where a business premises was also set on fire.

A 53-year-old has been charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police and disorderly behaviour.

Meanwhile, a 46-year-old man has also been charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

A 38-year-old has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of fireworks without a licence, and riotous behaviour. He also faces the charge of disorderly behaviour.

A 34-year-old has also been charged with taking part in an un-notified public procession.

The four men are all due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 5th August.

A fundraiser for replacement books at a library gutted by fire in Liverpool on Saturday night has surged past £35,000 - partly thanks to a £500 donation by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.

The GoFundMe page was started by Alex McCormack after the Spellow Hub in County Road went up in flames. As of 8am it had raised £36,862.

Mr McCormack, writing on the site, 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.

Public disorder resulted in a total of 22 people being arrested across Lancashire over the weekend, 20 in Blackpool, and one each in Blackburn and one person was arrested in Preston.

Yesterday, Blackpool saw periods of disorder, whilst Preston and Blackburn were subject to a small disruption.

Of those 22 detained, 18 have been released on police bail, one has been released under investigation, and three remain in custody.

Deputy Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie, of Lancashire Constabulary said: “Whilst a number of people have been arrested our enquiries into the criminality on Saturday continues. We have a dedicated team reviewing CCTV and I expect there to be further arrests.

“To anyone else who was committing these offences, let this be a message to you: we will identify you, we will find you, and we will bring you to justice.

“The scenes in Blackpool yesterday by those intent on causing disorder will not be tolerated. People should be allowed to enjoy their town and city centres without the threat of violence or disruption."

A police officer's arm was broken in a night of senseless violence as a mob targeted Tamworth's Holiday Inn Express hotel, Staffordshire Police have revealed.

Windows at the property were smashed, three petrol bombs were used to start series of fires and officers were assaulted, one of whom suffered a suspected broken arm.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “The senseless violence and acts of despicable thuggery in Tamworth tonight are completely inexcusable. The local community do not deserve to be subject to this behaviour, and neither do the brave officers putting themselves in harm’s way to keep everyone safe.

“I want to echo the messaging that police forces have been championing nationally following the events across the country this week: we will be using footage from CCTV, air support and our officers’ body-worn video devices to identify those responsible and seek the toughest possible punishment for these acts of senseless violence."

James Cleverly said the Government "should have been quicker" in its response to riots taking place across England.

The shadow home secretary said he would have called a Cobra meeting "much earlier" and said the Government should be "more agile, more decisive".

He told Sky News: "These are the actions of people who are clearly responding to disinformation online, but are obviously motivated by racism. We've seen people with swastika tattoos and giving the Nazi salute, attacking people that have had no link at all with the terrible instance that we saw in Southport last week.

"And it is absolutely right that the Government is saying that they will take firm action - they should and could have been quicker. I think it's worrying that it's only today that Cobra is going to meet. It was only yesterday afternoon that we found out the Prime Minister was going to cancel his holiday."

"We've seen nearly a week of disorder now and Cobra is only going to meet later on today. There are key decisions that need to be made very early in the process, had I still been home secretary I would have called a Cobra meeting much earlier than this," he added.

Mr Cleverly described the rioters as a "group of extreme people" who are "not reflective of the country".

Former England striker Stan Collymore has criticised Labour MP for Tamworth Sarah Edwards over remarks she made about the town’s Holiday Inn Express hotel days before yesterday’s mob attack.

Ms Edwards, re-elected on July 4 after winning a by-election last year, told MPs on July 30 the residents of her town “wanted their hotel back” and asking why it was being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

Posting on X, Mr Collymore, who played for Liverpool and Aston Villa during his career, said: "A hotel is only a hotel when it is used as a hotel. When it is used as a restaurant, it's a restaurant. When it's an asylum centre it's an asylum centre.”

“ There are dozens of hotels in Tamworth.

This is what happens when MP's pander to the crowd and dog whistle. A Labour MP."

Commenting on X last night, Ms Edwards said: "The scenes in Tamworth tonight of violence are shocking & disgraceful & are still ongoing. Thank you to @StaffsPolice

for ensuring the safety of hotel staff & guests. This will not be tolerated in our town. The police officers on the ground have my fullest support."

Shadow minister for security Tom Tugendhat, a candidate for the leadership of the Conservatives, described the violence as "abhorrent acts" with no justification.

Writing in the Daily Express, he added: "Our best defence is trust. Trust in our community. Trust in the police. Trust in our government. Trust that risks being eroded by Labour’s inaction.

"The law is absolute. We cannot pick and choose. Whether it’s the far-Right, far-Left, Islamist extremism, eco protests or plain thuggery – it doesn’t matter. Labour must restore order to the streets, and quickly."

Police officer punched in the face during Weymouth protests

A police officer was been punched in the face during protests in Weymouth yesterday.

Rival anti-immigration and anti-racism took place along the south coast town's Esplanade.

However, two Dorset Police officers were injured during the protests, one being hit in the face with a bottle thrown at them and another was punched.

Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Callaghan, said: “We have been liaising with the organisers of both groups in the build up to the event to ensure people can exercise their right to protest without causing significant or ongoing disruption.

“There were rumours circulating that asylum seekers currently housed on the Bibby Stockholm would be moved to Portland, Weymouth or the wider Dorset Council area but the Home Office have confirmed this is not the case. In addition, there are no asylum seekers housed in hotels in the Weymouth area.

“Our approach to this operation was to enable peaceful protests, but if people were intent on committing public order or criminal offences, they would be dealt with robustly as such behaviours would not be tolerated and this is the style of policing that we have delivered and what our communities expect.

Speaking yesterday, Sir Keir said he wanted those who "feel targeted because of the colour of their skin" to know "this violent mob do not represent our country”.

In his message to rioters, the Prime Minister said: "I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves."

Dame Sara Khan, who was Rishi Sunak's independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience until May, blamed the Conservative government for leaving the country open to far-right violence, telling the Guardian: "The writing was clearly on the wall for some time."

Writing in The Times, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said "there will be reckoning" for people who took part in the unrest and those who "whipped them up on social media and in online chat forums”.

Ms Cooper insisted: "Whatever they and some of their political supporters may tell us, these are not patriots standing up for their communities. They are thugs, criminals and extremists who betray the values our country is built on."

Those responsible would be "paying the price for years to come”, Ms Cooper added.

Violence has broken out in several parts of England and Northern Ireland following the killing of three young girls in Southport last week.

The widespread unrest poses the biggest challenge yet to Sir Keir's premiership, with MPs including Ian Byrne and Dame Priti Patel saying Parliament should be recalled as it was in 2011 so the Commons could debate the riots.

The former first minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf said the army should be called in to stop "thugs" causing disorder on the streets.

Ministers have so far insisted police have the resources required to respond and have rejected calls to bring in the army.

Sir Keir Starmer is understood to have scheduled a Cobra emergency response meeting today after a mob tried to storm two hotels housing asylum seekers yesterday amid widespread public disorder throughout the UK.

The Prime Minister has warned rioters they would "regret” engaging in what he branded "far-right thuggery" and promised those involved in unrest would "face the full force of the law" as he addressed the nation last night.

Monday's meeting is due to involve relevant ministers and police representatives who will discuss the response in the coming days to ensure there is no repeat of the violent scenes.

The Home Office yesterday announced that mosques would be offered greater protection under a new "rapid response process" designed to quickly tackle the threat of further attacks on places of worship.

In both Rotherham and Tamworth, anti-immigration rioters smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express before starting fires.

Welcome to our live blog. We'll be bringing you regular updates as the Government reacts to a weekend of chaos which saw multiple arrests, police injured and widespread looting.