UK riots mapped: All areas hit by far-right chaos as more protests planned

Dozens of people have been arrested at violent demonstrations across the UK this week as police battle to take back control of the streets from right-wing rioters

Mobs of right-wing thugs have thrown UK towns and cities into chaos this week with riot police making dozens of arrests up and down the country.

Violent demonstrations were sparked from Liverpool to Hull and Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent following the fatal stabbings in Southport on Monday that left three young girls dead and several others injured. Misinformation spread online that the suspect was a Muslim refugee, but it later emerged that the person who police arrested who was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents.

Following the killings, right-wing group Enough is Enough organised dozens of protests that have been heard chanting “save the kids.” But many of the planned protests soon descended into violence with riot police being drafted in to snuff out the disorder.

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violent disorder “will pay the price.”

“Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain’s streets,” she told broadcasters. “We’ve been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price.”

More than 20 protests were planned by far-right activists for the weekend. Police forces remain on high alert after Prime Minister Keir Starmer told leading officers to bring control back to Britain’s streets.

Where did today’s riots happen?

Belfast

A small group of anti-Islamic protesters gathered in front of City Hall in the city. The group chanted “Islam Out.” fireworks were later thrown between the group and anti-racism demonstrators in teh city.

Video footage showed at least one member of the anti-Islam activists was carrying bricks to one location, although it is not known if he threw them.

Blackburn

A dispersal order was enforced across Blackburn town centre today amid concerns that violence would erupt across the town. Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain urged people to stay away from the protest and echoed concerns about an escalation leading to clashes.

A small anti-immigrant protest lasted for less than half an hour, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. It is understood not more than 10 attended and larger counter protest groups were seen in the area later.

Blackpool

Lancashire Police issued a statement ahead of today’s planned protest. Police said: “We know that the majority of those who plan to attend intend to express their opposing views in in a lawful manner.

“However, we have received information which indicates that some individuals who plan to attend are intent on causing disorder. We are doing everything in our power to stop that from happening and keep you, the public, safe. With that in mind, a Section 34 dispersal order has been put in place to prevent disorder and allow other members of the community to enjoy the town centre without any issue.

Bristol

Demonstrators and counter-protesters descended at the city’s Castle Park this evening. Avon and Somerset Police have obtained extra powers to stop, search and disperse people in the city centre due to the demonstrations.

Police later said they had made multiple arrests due to violent disorder in the city centre.

Hull

Violence escalated today with numerous fires being set across the city today as police and firefighters attempted to bring the situation under control. Items were burned outside businesses and hotel windows were smashed.

Rioters were also seen trying to push through police barricades. Images taken at the scene showed police carrying riot shields as several people looked on from a distance.

Leeds

A protest group of 200 people marched through the city’s centre this afternoon with a heavy police presence being seen in attendance. The demonstrators, many of whom were wearing masks, made their way through Trinity Leeds shopping centre and eventually ended near the Corn Exchange.

Liverpool

Far-right activists clashed with riot police along The Strand, close to the city’s Liverpool One shopping area. Police were pelted with bricks and several other objects during the demonstration.

Merseyside Police said several officers had been injured during the violent clashes. Police later tried to push demonstrators towards the Albert Docks, an area visited by many tourists.

Manchester

Hundreds arrived in the city centre today with several fights breaking out. According to the Manchester Evening News officers tried to keep demonstrators apart, but video showed scuffles breaking out in Piccadilly Gardens.

A Sainsbury’s was stormed by a gang of masked yobs this afternoon with several being heard chanting the name of far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Nottingham

According to NottinghamshireLive, both anti-Islam and counter-protesters threw objects at one another. Many of the people involved at the initial protest left and were replaced by people who had no affiliation to either group.

Police held both groups away from one another during the majority of the protest.

Portsmouth

Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters were met with anti-racist demonstrators at the steps of the Guildhall today. It is estimated about 300 people gathered for the short protest this morning.

Police scuffled with protesters as they tried to break up a chase. A group of young black men objected to the presence of the group, some of whom sang English Defence League chants afterward.

Preston

A Preston City Council spokesperson told people to keep away from the planned protest at the Flag Market. The spokesperson added: ““Our message is to stay away from any possible disorder this weekend and to continue supporting our neighbours in Southport and our police colleagues who are stretched and need to be able to police any event effectively.”

St Helens

A group of demonstrators gathered in Victoria Square in St Helens today, although the gathering appeared to have only attracted a few dozen people.

Stoke-on-Trent

Four men have been arrested in Stoke-on-Trent following disorder in the Staffordshire city. 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.

Where are more demonstrations planned?

More protests are slated to continue this weekend with several more being slated to take place at numerous locations on Sunday, including at.

• Bolton Town Hall
• Lancaster Town Hall
• Middlesbrough Cenotaph
• Weymouth Seafront Clock
• Rotherham
• Newcastle Upon Tyne – Saturday, August 10