Police Injured in ‘Sustained Violence’ During Plymouth Riots Amid Unrest in UK Cities

On Monday evening, police faced attacks in several UK cities as violent disorder continued for a seventh consecutive day.

In Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Police reported six arrests following incidents where "several officers" sustained minor injuries. Additionally, two members of the public were hospitalized. Officers encountered bricks and fireworks while trying to manage clashes between a far-right demonstration and a counter-protest. A senior police officer described the situation as "sustained violence."

In South Belfast, riot officers were targeted with stones and petrol bombs. Similarly, in Darlington, police reported "small pockets of serious violence" involving bricks thrown at officers by assembled groups of men.

Amid the unrest, Sir Keir Starmer announced the mobilization of a "standing army" of riot police officers to address future violent protests. He emphasized the intensification of the criminal justice system to deal with the perpetrators, including a special judicial initiative allowing courts to operate 24 hours a day to handle cases swiftly.

More than 370 arrests have been made in connection with the week-long disorder, which was incited by false claims about the suspect in the Southport stabbings being an asylum seeker. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police are investigating reports that far-right groups are planning protests in four London boroughs.

Posted on 6 August 2024