The Metropolitan Police are assessing reports that far-right groups are planning more than a 100 demonstrations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with four London boroughs on alert for the possibility of demonstrations this week.
A list circulating on social media, outlines potential demonstration sites across the country, including four in the capital on August 7, Wednesday.
Police sources say they are aware of 100 gatherings planned today on what is expected to be a “big day” of disorder.
What areas to avoid in London
While the source of these are not verified, they appear to tell would-be-rioters where unrest will be taking place. The following are the list of places named in the message, please be vigilant if you are in these areas.
- Harrow – Yes UK Immigration, Pinner Road, HA1 4HN
- Hounslow – UK Immigration Help, The Mile, 1000 Great West Road, TW8 9DW
- North Finchley – Immigration and Nationality Services, Percy Road, N12 8NBU
- Walthamstow – Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau, Hoe Street, E17 3AP
These demonstrations are set to target immigration centres, charities and lawyers’ offices across the country.
Residents living in the area or travelling to/from it are advised to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow up to date information and guidance provided by local authorities. Women in hijabs and law staff have been advised to stay at home. Do not travel alone where possible.
Businesses owners, restaurants and convenience stores are shuttering their workspaces and have been told to stay cautious ahead of far-right riots this evening.
Thousands of police are set to brace more violence as 1,300 public order officers are deployed across London.
In times like this, it can be hard to know how to act or how to support your local communities. Aside of keeping yourself safe above all else, here is a guide with resources and tips on how to help your community in the face of these far-right rallies in the UK.
Other locations across the UK set to be targeted include: Aldershot, Canterbury, Chatham, Chelmsford, Bedford, Birmingham, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Brentford, Brighton, Bristol, Cheadle, Derby, Hastings, Hull, Kent, Lincoln, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Oldham, Oxford, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Preston, Rotherham, Sheffield, Stoke, Southampton, Southend, Sunderland, Tamworth, and Wigan.
Again, immigration centres, charities and lawyers’ offices are said to be the target in those areas as well.
False reports on social media, claiming the Southport attacker was a Syrian refugee who came to the UK by “small boat,” have been said to be the cause of recent violence and disorder. Three have been jailed over Southport disorder with further investigations ongoing.
Local MPs have urged calm among the locals and have stated that they are in touch with the Met Police.
Finchley & Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman, wrote on X:
Stella Creasy, Walthamstow MP also wrote on X: “Walthamstow I know there is some really worrying stuff being circulated on social media – please be assured getting to the bottom of it is my priority and please wait for further updates.
A Harrow council spokesman said: “We are working with the police to verify whether a protest is taking place and if there is we will prioritise the safety of Harrow’s communities in our response.”
If you’ve been affected by recent events, head to Mind for specialist mental health support.