London. British police were bracing for another night of violence on Wednesday amid concerns that far-right groups were planning to attack up to 30 locations across the UK following a week of rioting and clashes.
Authorities deployed some 6,000 specially trained officers to respond to the unrest across the country, and London’s Metropolitan Police said it would do “everything in our power” to protect the capital.
“We are aware of these events planned by divisive and hate groups in the capital,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Met Andy Valentine on Tuesday night. “They have made very clear their intention to cause disruption and division … We will not tolerate this on our streets.”
Cities and towns across the UK have seen violence in the past week, with angry mobs whipped up by far-right extremists clashing with police and counter-protesters, fuelled by misinformation about the identity of the suspect in a stabbing rampage in the seaside town of Southport. The suspect was falsely identified as an immigrant and a Muslim.
Rioters chanting anti-immigrant slogans have attacked mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, and violent counterattacks have been reported in some communities.
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– 2024-08-14 18:19:12
