Police vow to protect London using 'every power and tactic' as protests are planned

The Metropolitan Police has vowed to protect London from “one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade”, as more protests are due to take place on Wednesday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade. This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.

“We know about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital tomorrow night. They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.

“The scenes of racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country have been deeply shocking. Members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured.

“We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.

“We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.”

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Police said anyone who plans to "breed disorder" will face the full force of the law and officers would put the safety of others above that of their own, adding:

“They have faced dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse in the name of public service and keeping the King’s peace.

“They will continue to fulfil their duty in the coming days and weeks.

“Londoners in parts of the capital will see more officers in their local area. If anyone is concerned or needs our help, please speak to them. They are there to help.

“Our officers and our communities have truly pulled together in these difficult times.

“We are proud to stand together against the vile and criminal behaviour we’ve seen in recent weeks.”

The Mayor of London has urged people to “check on their friends and neighbours” and wrote on X: “The disorder, racism and violence that we have seen in towns and cities across the country in the last week have been truly shocking.

“I’m aware of reports that far-right groups are now planning to target locations in London and I want to be very clear to anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear in our city: if you break the law, action will be taken against you.

“Acts of violence and disorder on the streets of London will not be tolerated and, if you commit a crime, you will be arrested and face the full force of the law.

“I am in constant touch with the Met, City Hall and the police are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to protect targeted buildings and places of worship, as well as provide reassurance for Londoners.

“I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities scared and fearful, so I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about.

“In London, we have zero-tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hate and we pride ourselves on being open, diverse and welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds.

“It’s woven deeply into the fabric of our great city and is why those who seek to divide our communities will never win.”

Outside London, an assistant chief constable urged people to ignore a list of locations, which has been shared on social media as possible targets for gatherings, saying police will be waiting.

Andy Mariner, of Essex Police, said there is “disinformation on social media” talking about activity in the county on Wednesday, adding: “Our message is clear – ignore it.”

“If you’re planning on coming here intent on disorder, we will be waiting for you, and you will be arrested,” he said.

“There is information going around on the internet highlighting specific locations around the country and some of those details of locations are just plain false, including here in Essex.”

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