UK riots RECAP: Chaos in Hull as looters set store on fire while in Liverpool police officer has 'jaw... (original) (raw)

WATCH: Carnage in Belfast as cars and tyres burn in the street

PICTURED: Man throws beer keg at police car

A man threw a beer keg at a police car in Bristol amid the Enough is Enough demonstrations in the city.

'More disorder expected in coming days '

More disorder is likely in the coming days, police have said.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs' Council, said in a statement: 'This week we have seen appalling behaviour that in no way shows compassion or respect for the little girls who were killed and injured last week. It shows no respect for our communities, and it will be stopped.

'We know people will try and do this again in the coming days and policing has been and will continue to be ready.

'There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy.'

Shoezone store looted and set on fire in Hull

A Shoezone store has been looted and set ablaze in Hull amid violent disorder in the city.

It comes after a car was also torched earlier this evening.

WATCH: Moment protest in Bristol turns violent with missiles thrown

Liverpool mayor condemns violence as 'mindless thuggery'

Liverpool City region Mayor Steve Rotheram said in a statement: 'Let's call this out for what it is: mindless thuggery by people looking for an excuse to spew hatred and carry out acts of violence.

'Families and tourists chased through the streets. Children traumatised. And the very police who ran towards the scene in Southport now subjected to assault and abuse.

'It's not on - especially while our region is still trying to come to terms with Monday's tragic events.

'These scenes shame our city and those responsible deserve to feel the full weight of the law.'

WATCH: Rioters in Hull set a car on fire causing a huge blaze

Police smash in door in Sunderland to arrest 'rioter'

This is the moment police in Sunderland smash in a door to make an arrest after a night of violence in the city.

Northumbria Police have released footage of officers arriving at the home and dragging out a woman who is suspected of taking part in the riots.

Warrants were carried out in Sunderland city centre and an address in the Ford Estate area of the city.

Two people were arrested, a woman aged 43 on suspicion of violent disorder, and a man aged 55 on suspicion of provoking violence.

It brings the total number arrested to 12.

Far-right protesters clash with police in Bristol

Enough is Enough demonstrators have clashed with police in Bristol with at least one detained by officers.

The far-right protest, which has been promoted on social media using the taglines 'enough is enough' and 'stop the boats' follows similar demonstrations across the country today.

WATCH: Police officer knocked off motorbike and attacked in Liverpool

PICTURED: Cafe attacked during 'anti-Islamic' protest

A cafe in Belfast was attacked by protesters throwing benches during an 'anti-Islamic' demonstration in the city.

The business on Botanic Avenue was targeted by the crowd as they made their way through south Belfast.

The windows in a hotel on University Road were also smashed in the violence.

Police earlier confirmed that they were treating several acts of criminal damage as 'hate crimes'.

'She deserved it': Female police officer heckled by protesters

Passers-by heckled a female police officer, shouting 'she deserved it' after she was injured during the Liverpool riots.

Police officers were pictured attending to their colleague after a face-off with protesters from the 'Enough is Enough' demonstration today.

WATCH: Activists clash in Leeds amid mass protests across the country

Priest slams Sunderland riot thugs who tried to smash a gravestone to use as a missile to attack others

A priest at Sunderland Minster has slammed yobs who rioted in the city last night after they attempted to smash a headstone in order to use the debris as missiles.

The Reverend Jacqui Tyson said a colleague had reported seeing youths in the graveyard of the minster 'trying to break up one of the graves'.

Thankfully, her colleague was able to chase off the thugs and lock the gates to prevent further access to the graveyard as the chaos continued to unfold elsewhere in the city in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

But the Rev Tyson has lamented the behaviour of rioters who, fuelled by misinformation on social media about the suspect in the killings, saw fit to commit an 'act of sacrilege' by desecrating a gravestone.

PICTURED: Woman detained in Nottingham

WATCH: Violence erupts in Manchester as police clash with far-right group

READ MORE: Nans against Nazis: Defiant Scouse pensioner, 71, takes to the frontline in Liverpool to protect mosque

Police deny reports of stabbing in Stoke - as four arrested

Police have denied reports there was a stabbing in Stoke-on-Trent, countering claims made on social media.

It comes as four men were arrested following disorder in the Staffordshire city.

In a statement, police 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.'

WATCH: Far-right and pro-Palestine protesters clash in Nottingham

PICTURED: Bricks thrown by masked protesters in Liverpool

Police will have 'full support to take action against extremists'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the police had his 'full support' to take action against 'extremists attempting to sow hate'.

His comments came as he held crisis talks with ministers over the violence taking place across England this weekend.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she would work with forces to help ensure 'consequences, arrests and prosecutions' for those responsible.

She added: 'Thuggery has no place on the streets.'

Punks and rioters clash in Blackpool as bottles and chairs thrown

The far-right protest in Blackpool moved towards St John's Square where punks attending the Rebellion festival were gathered.

Skirmishes then broke out between demonstrators and punks, with bottles and chairs being thrown.

In one clash, a man was knocked unconscious when he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground.

Another man drove his motorbike at the crowd before officers arrived.

Police make 'hate crime' arrests in Belfast

A number of incidents of criminal damage in Belfast are being treated as hate crimes, police have said.

Two arrests have been made so far amid disorder across Northern Ireland today.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: 'We have dealt with a number of protest sites across Northern Ireland today, including a significant protest and counter protest at Belfast City Hall.

'Many of these caused disruption to the road network. A number of roads, including the M5, Wellington Place and Shore Road were closed for a short period of time. 'We continue to deal with protest activity and sporadic disorder in the South Belfast area and are aware of a number of reports of criminal damage which we are currently treating as hate crimes.'

PICTURED: Protesters clash with police in Manchester

Three police officers injured and four arrests in Hull

Humberside Police have issued a statement saying three police officers have been injured and four people arrested amid disorder in Hull city centre.

A number of police officers have also been injured tackling serious disorder in Liverpool city centre, Merseyside Police said.

Police dealing with 'serious disorder' in Liverpool

Merseyside Police have issued a statement saying the force are facing 'serious disorder in Liverpool city centre.'

In a separate statement, the police say a number of officers have been injured.

Rioters set off flares in Liverpool as they lob projectiles at police

Rioters in Liverpool have been pictured setting off coloured flares as protests in the city continue.

There are reports that bricks and a scooter have been thrown at officers. One masked person lobbed a brick at the back of a police officer while she held her riot shield in the other direction.

One man collapsed to the floor after being punched.

Officers moved to surround him as he lay on the floor and his head was bandaged.

Police deny claim protest organiser has been arrested on terrorism charges

Police denied claims that the organiser of a march in Middlesborough on Sunday had been arrested on terrorism charges.

They said a 29-year-old man was arrested on Friday over firearms offences.

English Defence League founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, had posted on Friday: 'Lad who organised Middlesbrough march been locked up on terroism charges.'

Cleveland Police said in a statement: 'We are aware of misinformation being shared on social media relating to a planned event in Middlesbrough tomorrow.

'Cleveland Police has not arrested anyone in connection with terrorism offences.

'A 29-year-old Middlesbrough man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

'He remains in police custody being questioned and inquiries continue.'

'Bottles and cans and sausages' thrown at counter-protesters in Nottingham

Protesters and counter-protesters are having a stand off in Nottingham city centre.

The two opposing groups faced each other in King Street in the city. It has been reported that Bottles, cans and sausages were flung at the counter-protesters.

Meanwhile the counter-protesters were heard chanting 'free Palestine.' Nottinghamshire Police are attempting to separate the groups and officers have reportedly been told to turn on their bodycams.

Rioters and police face off in Manchester

Two children arrested in Hartlepool

James Cleverly: PM needs to do more to restore public order and send clear message to thugs

Shadow home secretary and Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly has said the Prime Minister and Home Secretary need to 'do more' to restore public order as demonstrations turned ugly across the UK this afternoon.

The Tory leadership contender said in a statement on Saturday:

Now they are in Government Labour need to clamp down immediately on the violence that we have seen across the country and send a clear message to the thugs that they will be met with the full strength of the law.

The public expects the Government to restore order. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary must do more to demonstrate that they are gripping this situation.

They should be giving regular updates alongside the police so potential rioters know that they won't get away with this and they must haul the tech companies in to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of disinformation fuelling these events.

Ugly scenes in Liverpool as police officers pulled from motorbike and hit in the head with a chair

Anti-immigration protesters have attacked police officers in Liverpool as demonstrations in the Merseyside city turned ugly.

The PA news agency reports that a motorcycle officer was kicked and knocked from his vehicle by a demonstrator as officers lined The Strand on the waterfront.

Anti-fascist protesters gathered close to the Liver building on the waterfront, with a wall of police separating them from other demonstrators.

Some officers' riot shields were splattered with black paint.

Protesters hurl stones at police in Stoke as MP hits out at 'far-right extremists'

Anti-immigration protesters have been filmed throwing rocks at riot police in Stoke - as the city's MP urged people not to be 'taken in by these far-right extremists'.

Staffordshire Police say they are responding to 'pockets of disorder' in the Hanley area in the city and have asked locals to stay away if possible.

Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent, has criticised those taking part in the riots as 'political extremists' who are there to 'spread division and sow the seeds of hate'.

Seemingly referring to race riots in the city more than 20 years ago stirred up by the English Defence League, a joint statement by Mr Snell, Dr Allison Gardner and David Williams read:

Violence solves nothing. Our city has seen this before. We have previously stood tall against political extremists and when tom,orrow comes and these people have left, it will again by the decent, fair and upstanding residents of Stoke-on-Trent who will be left to clear up the mess.

Our message to the far-right extremists is simple. You are not welcome in Stoke-on-Trent.

Protesters in Nottingham face off with police as they are met by anti-fascist counter-protest

Protesters with St George's and union flags in Nottingham's Market Square have been met with counter-protesters chanting 'racist scum off our streets' and 'Nazis not welcome'.

Scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other on King Street at about 3pm, with bottles and other items thrown from both sides.

Chants of 'England until I die' and 'Tommy Robinson' were drowned out by boos from the counter-protesters.

Ministers to hold group call to discuss 'public order' following Sunderland riots

Ministers are expected to hold a group call to discuss public order following the scenes of violence in Sunderland and other parts of England.

The PA news agency reported that the call will take place later today as tense demonstrations continue across the country.

Hundreds gather in Liverpool as demonstration gets underway

Merseyside Police said a section 60 order giving officers greater stop-and-search powers has been introduced for Liverpool.

The force said the order was put in place at 12pm on Saturday and will stay active for a 12-hour period until midnight.

The order incorporates Liverpool city centre and also includes areas of Kensington and Toxteth.

Superintendent Dawn McNally said:

A number of section 60s have been introduced in Merseyside since the disgraceful disorder we witnessed in Southport on Tuesday evening.

Police separated groups of demonstrators outside the Cunard Building on The Strand as anti-fascist protesters sang: 'Where's your Tommy gone?'

At one point a group of men with masks and hoods up appeared to try and charge police officers who stood with batons.

Officers with riot shields and helmets moved the crowd back and cans, bottles and coins were thrown.

Police with dogs also moved in to separate the groups.

Tear gas deployed in Hull after rock thrown at police

A live stream in Hull showed a man with a St George’s Cross on his back throwing a rock at a line of police.

Officers have begun using tear gas in the demonstrator's faces

Police standing guard near Belfast’s Islamic Centre after clashes between rival groups spilled into violence

A large number of anti-immigration protesters gathered in Belfast this afternoon.

Bottles and missiles have reportedly been thrown, and a cafe attacked by the crowd.

Windows were smashed and furniture broken, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

Over 100 residents intercepted protesters and sent them back.

Police warned marchers they were taking part in an illegal procession.

Opposing protests meet in Liverpool

Two groups of protesters met at the Pier Head in Liverpool, in front of the Liver Buildings.

Chants of 'save our kids' and 'stop the boats' were heard from crowds gathered closer to the waterfront.

More protesters being detained as fighting breaks out in Manchester

Fighting breaks out in Manchester

Riot police and mounted officers rushed into the crowd in Manchester as punches were thrown and fighting broke out.

Metal fences were seen lying on the floor after protesters ripped them down.

Chants of 'save our kids' and 'we want Starmer out' were also heard from those gathered

Sunderland riot police chief warns 'We are coming for you' as arrests climb to ten from night of destructive chaos

A Sunderland police chief has issued a warning to rioters as the number of arrests climbs to ten following a night of destructive chaos in the city.

The warning follows the emergence of a horrific video which showed a wooden spike being launched at a female police officer like a spear.

As riots organised by the far right continue to spread across the UK this weekend, Sunderland today faced the task of cleaning up the city after violent thugs caused mayhem in the North East city last night.

As a part of the clean up, Northumbria Police are now hunting down those responsible for the widespread destruction and have said those responsible should 'expect to be met with the full force of the law.'

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said a full investigation is now underway to identify those responsible.

Read more below:

Yobs tried to smash a gravestone to use as missiles

A priest at Sunderland Minster said yobs who tried to smash a gravestone to use as missiles during widespread disorder in the city were guilty of 'an act of sacrilege'.

The Reverend Jacqui Tyson said a colleague reported seeing youths in the graveyard of the minster, which was close to where a car was overturned and set on fire, and where police were attacked with fire extinguishers.

She said: 'They were trying to break up one of the graves in the minster.

'My colleague and his friend saw them and chased them off. They then locked the gates so no-one else could access the graveyard.

'It's an act of sacrilege to disturb someone's gravestone. It's also remarkably lacking in common sense - have you tried to pick up a gravestone?'

Protest disorder in Leeds

Two group of protesters began hurling insults at each other in the centre of Leeds just before 1pm.

Around 150 people carrying St George's flags shouted 'you're not English any more' and 'paedo Muslims off our street' outside the city's central library and art gallery.

But they were greatly outnumbered by hundreds of counter protesters shouting 'Nazi scum off our streets'.

Many of this group were waving Palestinian flags in the sunshine and chanting 'there are many, many more of us than you'.

The two groups were kept about 20 metres apart by barriers with around 20 police officers between them.

Blackpool Police issues Section 34 dispersal order covering city centre

Blackpool Police has drawn up a Section 34 dispersal zone covering the city centre ahead of a planned protest later today.

In a post on social media, the force said that while it expected most protesters to 'express their views in a lawful manner', it said it had received information that there would be 'some individuals intent on causing disorder'.

Tommy Robinson calls for 'peaceful revolution' - as he hides from British courts abroad

English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has urged his followers not to attack police as they protest against immigration this weekend.

In a six-minute diatribe filmed abroad - as Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has fled the UK to avoid facing contempt of court charges - the convicted thug urged people to hold 'peaceful' demonstrations.

To the men committing the violence: lads, those individual police officers have got families at home. They're ordinary people.

Robinson has been told he faces prison after he broadcast a film he has made, Silenced, that prosecutors say represents a 'flagrant' breach of a court order made after he lost a libel battle against a Syrian refugee in 2021.

The far-right activist was subsequently arrested on suspicion of terror offences. He then fled the country and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

Watch as Sunderland top cop warns rioters they will be 'met with the full force of the law'

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall of Northumbria Police has warned thugs who ran riot in Sunderland to be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

Ten people have already been arrested following the shocking scenes in the north-eastern town last night. Ch Supt Hall further warned:

A message for those responsible... Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law.

Police use 4x4s to separate 'anti-Islam' protesters from counter-rally in Belfast

Police in Belfast have deployed Land Rovers to keep an 'anti-Islam' protest separated from an anti-racism counter protest.

Eyewitnesses say protesters chanted 'Islam out' in front of Belfast City Hall as they unfurled Union flags. The PA news agency reports the rally was staged in response to calls on social media for 'anti-Islamic' protests.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) previously said it was aware of social media posts calling for protests including 'specific calls to block roads using women and children'.

PSNI officers in riot gear were deployed with 4x4s to keep protesters separated - as fireworks were thrown in the direction of the police.

The force said on X it was aware of 'several planned protests across Northern Ireland today and will be in attendance to ensure the safety of everyone involved.'

Southport stabbings: What we know about the suspect Axel Rudakubana

The suspect in the Southport stabbings, which have sparked the recent wave of protests, is a 17-year-old boy born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents.

Axel Rudakubana is charged with murdering Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday.

Rudakubana, who is also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon, moved with his parents from Cardiff to the Lancashire town of Banks in 2013.

Classmates described him as a 'very quiet' boy who joined the drama group at his school in order to meet other children in the area, eventually performing in a West End show.

False information about Rudakubana, including an incorrect name and incorrect claims he is an asylum seeker, spread on social media in the wake of the killings - prompting a judge to allow him to be named to counter misinformation.

This is despite the fact suspects under the age of 18 are normally granted anonymity in reporting of court proceedings.

Breaking:Police make two arrests after anti-immigration protest outside Aldershot hotel

Hampshire Police says it has made two arrests following a peaceful protest outside a hotel hosting asylum seekers in Aldershot earlier this week.

A group of around 200 people gathered outside the Potters International Hotel on Wednesday night before a 'minority' began throwing objects and subjecting people to racist abuse.

A spokesperson for the force said one officer was injured during the disturbance.

Two people, a 32-year-old man from Farnborough and a 60-year-old man from Farnham have both been arrested on suspicion of affray and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred.

The pair remain in custody.

Earlier this week, Hampshire Police issued a series of images of people they want to speak to in relation to the incident.

Citizens Advice Bureau in Sunderland torched by rioters last night launches fundraiser

A Citizens Advice Bureau in Sunderland that was torched by rioters last night has launched a GoFundMe appeal in order to repair the damage dealt by thugs.

Local woman Sharyn Smiles, who works for a local parent support charity, created the page after her own employer was hit by an arson attack last year.

She wrote on the GoFundMe, which has raised £1,275 to date:

We know the devastation of these reckless and pointless actions and would now like to assist Citizens Advice Sunderland.

A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline that Citizens Advice Sunderland would directly receive all money raised through the donation page.

More arrests in Manchester as protest and counter-demo kept streets apart by police

More people have been pictured being taken away from an anti-immigration protest in Manchester - as reports from the scene suggest police are keeping the rally and an anti-hate counter-demonstration streets apart.

Mounted police and lines of officers have been containing demonstrators - many of whom are wearing masks, hats, sunglasses and hoodies.

The Manchester Evening News reports that the anti-immigration protesters have been contained in Piccadilly Gardens while a Stop the Far Right counter-group are being directed towards St Peter's Square 400 yards away.

'No incidents' at Portsmouth anti-immigration protest, say police

Hampshire Constabulary says no incidents have been reported from the demonstration in Portsmouth this morning.

A small but concentrated gathering of people assembled on the steps of the Guildhall in the city centre this morning and were met with a handful of counter-protesters.

It came after a demonstration outside Potters International Hotel in Aldershot on Wednesday led to disruption as a 'minority' of protesters began shouting racist abuse.

In a statement to MailOnline, Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said:

As we said on Thursday, our role is to protect people’s lawful right to protest, while also preventing serious disorder and disruption to the local community.

This is what happened on Wednesday evening and our specialist teams, who are very experienced in policing protests and managing that balance, were able to take swift and decisive action when a small number of people began committing criminal offences.

Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, officers will take a robust stance against those who choose to act outside of the law.

Sunderland City Council's deputy leader hits out at 'minority with an agenda of hate'

Kelly Chequer, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, expressed her condolences to the victims of the Southport stabbings - before slamming those who ran riot in the streets last night.

What we saw last night in Sunderland was nothing more than mindless violence and disorder led by a minority with an agenda of hate. What we saw was totally unacceptable.

We know that sadly many of those in our city last night were not from here but came to cause chaos and stoke tensions and I want to make it clear that there is no place for these people. They are not welcome here.

Cllr Chequer is pictured below speaking to locals helping with the clean-up effort earlier this morning.

Breaking:Police horse rider among four officers injured during Sunderland riots, top cop confirms

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall of Northumbria Police has praised his officers' 'unwavering commitment' to maintaining order in Sunderland last night.

Four officers were taken to hospital, three as a direct result of policing the riots, while a mounted rider sustained 'serious injuries' in an accident. They are still undergoing treatment in hospital, Ch Supt Hall said.

He also confirmed that 10 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder and burglary.

The shocking scenes we witnesses last night in Sunderland were appalling and completely unacceptable.

This was not a protest. This was unforgivable violence and disorder.

A message for those responsible... Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law.

Pictured: Sunderland locals break out the brooms as they tidy up after rioting thugs

Locals in Sunderland have been sweeping the streets throughout the morning as they tidy up after masked thugs ran riot through the city centre in what had been branded as a 'peaceful demonstration', according to the region's mayor.

Armed with brooms, shovels and even dustpans, as well as their bare hands, residents of the north-eastern city chipped in to clean up the mess left behind by the thugs who smashed windows, looted shops and set a police station alight.

A torched car was also seen being loaded onto a flatbed truck to be taken away.

North East Mayor condemns 'far-right groups' for Sunderland riots as she praises local clean-up effort

Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness has praised locals for coming together to clean up after riots in Sunderland last night - while also hitting out at 'far-right groups' and 'thugs' for engineering the violence following the Southport killings.

She told BBC Breakfast: Things like this really affect the way that local people feel but the clean-up overnight from Sunderland Council has clearly been absolutely massive.

We saw that these far-right groups were advertising what they called a peaceful protest yesterday in Sunderland.

That was anything but peaceful. It was out and out crime and violence and the police response was strong, protecting a mosque and really having to stand up to very sustained crime and violence from these thugs.

Map shows Section 34 dispersal notice area in Manchester as force vows to take action against lawbreakers

This is the dispersal area marked out in Manchester under anti-social behaviour laws as anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators gathered in the city centre.

The Section 34 dispersal notice, which is in effect until 7pm tonight, allows police to send anyone suspected of anti-social behaviour out of the area and to seize any items they believe may be used in committing said behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector Natasha Evans said:

These powers have been authorised to make sure we can continue to provide and facilitate the right to any peaceful protests that have been organised.

Our officers will be able to instruct and advise anyone who is causing, or very likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to leave an area immediately.

People have a legal right to participate in peaceful protest, however where people are intent on breaking the law, we will take action.

Breaking:Greater Manchester Police issues dispersal order for city centre

Greater Manchester Police has issued a Section 34 dispersal order for the city centre after anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators had to be separated.

The notice, issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives police the right to order people to leave a specified area if they are committing or are suspected to be committing, anti-social behaviour.

Watch as locals pitch in to help with the clean-up effort in Sunderland after rioting

Crowds of locals have descended on Sunderland city centre to pitch in with clean-up efforts after anti-immigration protests turned into a violent riot last night.

Video taken in Keen Square this morning shows around 100 people gathered, many of them carrying brooms and shovels. Others can be seen putting debris and litter into rubbish bags.

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson - seen towards the end of the clip below in a white Sunderland AFC shirt - was among those to help with the clean-up efforts.

He said in a tweet this morning:

The thugs last night are not Sunderland. Sunderland is the hundreds of people who have turned up this morning with brooms to sweep away the shards of hate.

Anti-immigration protesters gather in Portsmouth's Guildhall Square

Anti-immigration protesters have gathered in Portsmouth's Guildhall Square in another of a series of planned actions across the UK today.

Images shared on social media suggest many of those attending have come with England and Union flags, while at least one attendee came with a sign bearing online conspiracy theories.

Others came with a flag bearing the inscription: 'Stop mass immigration'.

Downing Street among buildings lit up pink in tribute to the Southport stabbing victims

Downing Street and civic buildings across north-west England have been lit up in pink in tribute to those killed in the Southport attaxck on Monday.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were killed when a knifeman attacked them during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday.

Sefton Council said the Atkinson arts venue in Southport, outside which a vigil was held on Tuesday, would be one of a number of buildings lit up pink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in tribute to those who died.

Landmarks including St George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall (below) and the Cunard Building in Liverpool, the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Chester Town Hall will also be illuminated, as well as hospitals across the North West.

Protests in Manchester turn to trouble in just MINUTES as one man is arrested after night of violence in Sunderland

Protests in Manchester have turned to trouble in just a few minutes with one man arrested for a public order offence, as tinderbox Britain braces for further mayhem.

More than 35 'Enough is Enough' demonstrations are planned across the UK this weekend, with several counter-protests by groups such as Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism also set to take place.

Hundreds of protesters on both sides of railings set up to separate them can be seen in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens at 9.30 this morning.

Pictures show man being arrested in Manchester as protesters met by anti-hate counter-rally

Police have separated anti-immigration protesters chanting Tommy Robinson's name from a counter-rally organised by anti-hate groups in Manchester.

At least one man has been arrested after reportedly storming into the group of counter-demonstrators.

Some of those attending draped themselves in England flags, while others wore balaclavas and sunglasses to disguise their faces. One attendee waved a sign reading: 'Save our kids'.

Southport faith leaders call for calm and unity following riots in cities across the UK

Last night, the chairman of Southport Mosque vowed 'hate will never prevail' as he met with Jewish and Christian religious leaders to issue a call for peace in the wake of riots in recent days, some of which have targeted Muslim places of worship.

Imam Ibrahim Hussein said he felt like 'the luckiest man in the country' after the town came together to help with the clean-up after the mosque was targeted by masked thugs who smashed windows and damaged its fence.

He condemned those who hijacked the Southport stabbings for their own means, noting how the riots had diverted attention away from the families of its victims.

He said:

We should have been focused all along about these poor people who have suffered in the most horrific way.

And we should have been standing here giving them as much support as we can. We should have been standing here, praying for them, supporting them, focusing on them.

Instead these people try to destroy what is so beautiful about our community.

Before he spoke, chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board Qari Asim joined local archdeacon Pete Spiers and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth Steen, co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors, to condemn the violence.

Mr Hussein is pictured surveying the damage to the mosque.

Man 'arrested' in Manchester as first protests of the day begin

A man appears to have been arrested in Manchester as the first protests of the day get underway in the city's Piccadilly Gardens.

A large group of counter-protesters had assembled earlier this morning to stand against people dressed in balaclavas and England flags.

Manchester Evening News reporter Chris Slater said on X a man was detained after walking into the gathering of anti-racism protesters and shouting at them.

This led to police intervening and taking him away as the counter-rally shouted: 'Nazi scum, off our streets'.

Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick says 'elements of the far right' involved in riots

Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick has condemned those involved in riots across the country, adding that there appeared to be 'elements of the far right' at the root of the disorder.

Asked by BBC Radio 4's Today programme whether he would also condemn the far-right organising as part of the disorder, Mr Jenrick said:

Yes, absolutely. That there are elements of the far right apparently involved in these protests - we need to ensure that the police have all the support that they need.

Merseyside Police said earlier this week they believed rioters who identified as members of the racist English Defence League (EDL) group were behind the violent scenes in Southport on Tuesday.

The EDL, founded by far-right thug Tommy Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - has been in decline for years, but maintains a largely leaderless presence online in far-right social media groups.

There have been calls for the EDL to be a proscribed terror group following the violence - and asked if he believed it should be banned, Mr Jenrick said: 'If it meets the threshold for proscription, which is a high mark, then it definitely needs to be considered.'

Counter-protests planned in cities across the UK as thugs plot further chaos today

Anti-hate groups are planning counter-protests in cities across the UK that are expected to be targeted by thugs later today.

United Against Facism and Stand Up To Racism say they are planning to stand against 'those seeking to exploit the horrific Southport killings' in at least nine cities in England and Wales today.

There are more than 30 protests planned by far-right mobs opposed to immigration this weekend, with online hate fuelled by misinformation about the identity of the Southport stabbing suspect.

Stand Up To Racism has shared images of a gathering in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens, where a gathering was planned to begin this morning.

Sunderland MP grabs a broom to help with the clean-up effort as he slams 'far-right racists'

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson has been pictured grabbing a broom to help locals with the clean-up effort following last night's riots in the city.

Mr Atkinson, who only became an MP for the first time last month, was seen in a Sunderland AFC football shirt speaking to locals alongside Sunderland City Council deputy leader Kelly Chequer.

Earlier this morning, the Labour MP told BBC Radio 4 he felt 'really sad' for the city, adding:

I can’t stress enough, the fact that some far-right racists … decided to turn up in Sunderland does not at all represent our city.

Judge decided to name Southport 'stabber' Axel Rudakubana in bid to stop fresh wave of 'idiotic rioting'

The judge who made the decision to allow the Southport stabbing suspect's name to be reported in the media said he did so in a bid to stop further 'idiotic rioting'.

Under normal circumstances, cases involving suspects under the age of 18 normally have reporting restrictions in place preventing their names from being reported.

But Judge Andrew Menrary said he would allow the media to name Axel Rudakubana, who turns 18 this Wednesday, in order to remove what he called 'misreporting as to the identity of the defendant'.

False information spread on social media suggesting the suspect was an asylum seeker and a Muslim. In fact, Rudakubana was born in Cardiff and has lived in Banks, Lancashire for the last decade.

Watch as shirtless man with Nazi tattoos launches into racist tirade on march

Among the hundreds taking to the street in Sunderland was a shirtless man with Nazi tattoos - including a swastika on his upper back.

The topless man, seen wearing jeans held up with red braces, launched into a racist tirade as he was filmed live on YouTube.

He said:

This time in your own f***ing country if you're ashamed to be f***ing white and be an Englishman… f*** off.

'Our city is not represented by a tiny minority': Reaction to the scenes of rioting in Sunderland

Sunderland's MPs, police chiefs and the Home Secretary have condemned the scenes of violence, rioting and looting committed by a far-right mob on Friday night.

Lewis Atkinson, MP for Sunderland Central, said he was 'appalled' by the scenes, adding: 'Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.'

Education Secretary and Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson said the city had witnessed 'unforgivable violence and thuggery'.

The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned those behind the riots: 'The police have the full backing of Government to take the strongest possible action & ensure (rioters) face the full force of the law.'

Football club Sunderland AFC hit out at rioters, saying on X: 'Tonight's shameful scenes do not represent our culture, our history, or our people.'

And Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police, who led the policing operation last night, said officers had been 'met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable' on Friday night.

Ch Supt Barron added: 'Anyone involved in the disorder we have seen can expect to be dealt with robustly – and that action has already begun.'

What happened in Sunderland?

Hundreds of people gathered in Sunderland last night for a planned protest in the wake of the Southport stabbings on Monday.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, has been charged with murdering Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, the attempted murder of 10 other people and possession of an offensive weapon.

The killings prompted widespread anger across Britain - fuelled by misinformation about the suspect's identity.

A false name and a suggestion that he was Muslim spread on social media - allegedly from a Russian news website - and generated momentum among far-right thugs who have used the killings as an excuse to target mosques and run riot.

On Tuesday, a far-right riot took place in Southport itself, leading to condemnation from the families of the victims of the attacks.

There has also been violence in London, Hartlepool, Aldershot and Manchester - the latter two seeing thugs protest outside hotels housing asylum seekers.

Witnesses say last night's riots in Sunderland unfolded after hundreds gathered in the city centre and chanted in support of Tommy Robinson - with police forming a ring of protection around a local mosque amid fears it would be targeted by rioters.

Protesters then began throwing beer cans, stones and bricks at police decked out in riot gear before a car was overturned and set on fire.

They then turned on a police station in Sunderland, setting it alight, as shops were looted - bringing united condemantion from police chiefs, local MPs and political leaders.

Key Updates

• Ministers to hold group call to discuss 'public order' following Sunderland riots
• Hundreds gather in Liverpool as demonstration gets underway
• Police use 4x4s to separate 'anti-Islam' protesters from counter-rally in Belfast
• More arrests in Manchester as protest and counter-demo kept streets apart by police
• Police horse rider among four officers injured during Sunderland riots, top cop confirms
• Greater Manchester Police issues dispersal order for city centre
• Anti-immigration protesters gather in Portsmouth's Guildhall Square
• Pictures show man being arrested in Manchester as protesters met by anti-hate counter-rally
• Man 'arrested' in Manchester as first protests of the day begin
• Counter-protests planned in cities across the UK as thugs plot further chaos today
• What happened in Sunderland?

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