More than 90 arrests nationwide as far-right protests turn violent

Protests and counter-demonstrations have been taking place across the country, with riot police deployed to quell them, ITV News’ Caroline Lewis reports.

More than 90 people were arrested after far-right demonstrations turned into riots in cities across the UK on Saturday, with police warning more violence was likely in the coming days.

Several cities saw clashes between anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters, with police officers attacked and injured, and many more arrests promised.

The string of violent incidents in recent days began on Tuesday in Southport after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those involved in the clashes “will pay the price” and that “criminal violence and disorder have no place on the streets of Britain”.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said police have his “full support” to take action against “extremists” trying to “sow hatred” by intimidating communities, as he held emergency talks with ministers over unrest in parts of England.

The far right has been condemned by MPs across the political spectrum following riots in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool before Saturday’s violence.

Arrests have been made across the country, and police have warned more will follow after footage from security cameras, social media and body cameras is collected.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood told ministers: “The entire justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible,” a Downing Street spokesman said, which could see courts open 24 hours a day, as was the case during the 2011 riots, according to a report.

There was violence on Saturday in cities including Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, where several police officers were injured.

The incident followed a riot in Sunderland on Friday night.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said anyone who attacked police “should be ashamed”.

She wrote on X: “I can’t thank the local police enough for everything they are doing to keep people safe.

They were among the first on the scene when the horrific incident happened in Southport.

They put themselves in danger to keep us safe, and those who attack them should be ashamed.”

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said “violence is not acceptable”.

“Northern Ireland must always be a place that protects the right to protest, the right to have an opinion and to express it,” she posted on X.

“Let’s be VERY clear – violence is not acceptable. It never has been and it is not now. No one, NO ONE, has the right to express hatred and violence. Stop it now.”

In Liverpool, Merseyside Police said around 300 people were involved in violent disturbances on County Road, Walton, which included fires being set at community facilities.

The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which opened last year to support one of the country’s most deprived communities, has suffered serious damage to the ground floor.

Police said protesters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the fire by throwing a missile at the fire truck and breaking the rear window of the cab.

A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, Merseyside Police said, including 12 arrests over the disorder in the city centre, nine arrests over the disorder on County Road and two arrests in connection with the disorder in Southport.

A police officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a protester and others tried to kick riot shields.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss called the protesters’ behaviour “deplorable”, adding: “The impact of the disorder will be devastating for the people of Walton, but I promise we are doing everything in our power to arrest those involved and bring them to justice.”

Merseyside Police also said a 58-year-old man had been charged with two offences following violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday.

Derek Drummond, of Pool Street, Southport, has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 5, police said.

In Hull, Humberside Police said 20 people were arrested, three officers were injured and shops were looted and set on fire after a mob attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: “The right to lawful protest is part of democracy, which my officers have upheld, however we will not accept the senseless vandalism, anti-social behaviour and outright violence that has been brought to our streets.”

Businesses were targeted in Belfast, where police mounted a significant security operation during a lengthy clash between anti-Islam protesters and those taking part in an anti-racist protest at Belfast City Hall, during which fireworks and other missiles were thrown.

In Bristol, police made 14 arrests over violent disturbances in the city centre, which Avon and Somerset Police described as “completely unacceptable”.

Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn.

Staffordshire Police said ten people were also arrested following disturbances in Stoke-on-Trent.

More protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said.

“We know people will try to do this again and policing is and will remain ready,” said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

“There are 130 extra units across the country, which means almost 4,000 trained public order officers to be deployed.

“So if you are planning to cause trouble and mayhem, our message is very simple: we will be watching you.”