Riot police will remain on high alert despite a ‘turning point’ after Wednesday’s planned protests largely failed to materialise, police chiefs said last night.
Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets to face down far-Right rioters after police warned up to 160 demonstrations were planned across the country.
But just 36 saw disorder and arrests, raising hopes the worst of the unrest was over.
National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Gavin Stephens said a further 20 potential gatherings and three counter-protests were believed to have been planned for last night – and forces remained ‘very focused on the weekend’ with 5,000 public order officers available.
Mr Stephens praised the response of the public to the thuggery. ‘What we saw last night was, I suppose, the very best of Team UK in that people came out on to the street in their hundreds of thousands to stand up to this terrible violence.
‘Although [we saw] a turning point last night [Wednesday]… there are many potential events still being advertised and circulated online. Those intent on violence have not gone away.’
Scotland Yard commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said his force smashed into the homes of the ‘most violent’ rioters from last Wednesday’s protest in Whitehall, detaining ten.
Sir Mark said it was ‘nonsense’ that the rioters were patriots, protesters or decent citizens.
‘They’re thugs and criminals,’ he added. ‘Around 70 per cent have previous convictions for weapon possession, violence, drugs and other serious offences. Some have football banning orders.’ Mark Williams, head of the National Police Co-ordination Centre, said: ‘We will continue to monitor [intelligence channels] to ensure that we mobilise and work with the local forces to be ready for anything. We will put whatever resources at whatever cost to dealing with this.’
At least 104 officers have been injured with bone fractures and severe bruising, many of whom require hospital care.
There were clear signs yesterday that the troublemakers’ ability to organise was being curtailed.
Many chat groups on the messaging app Telegram that have been used by thugs were closed down. And long jail sentences appeared to reduce the appetite for more mayhem.