FAR-RIGHT'S RECKONING
Dawn raids launched on rioters as cops share CCTV to hunt down dozens of thugs and warn of more protests in days
Scroll down to see pictures of dozens of people linked with disorder across the country as cops hunt yobs
DAWN raids were launched today to arrest violent rioters with cops releasing CCTV images in a bid to hunt down dozens of thugs.
Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley said his force smashed its way into the homes of the "most violent" members of last week’s protests in Whitehall and branded them "criminal thugs".
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It comes after Brits came out in force last night to quell riot fears after cops launched the UK's biggest ever police mobilisation to crush planned carnage.
Never before have 41 out of Britain's 43 forces been mobilised to intervene in what police expected to be a "busy" night - with 100 areas earmarked for far-right riots.
A total of 6,000 elite officers were deployed to stop violence erupting in areas including London, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham.
However, huge crowds of people chanting "refugees welcome" descended on areas earmarked for disorder.
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will chair another Cobra meeting with law enforcement officials this afternoon to “reflect on last night” and plan for the coming days.
The PM said that it was "important that we don't let up" despite a quieter night of protests yesterday.
It follows after the head of Britain's largest police force hailed a "show of unity from communities" from around the UK.
Cops continue to work through footage and evidence gathered over the last week of riots and will be sweeping up offenders over the next 24 hours, Sir Mark said.
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Met cops have already made ten more arrests at addresses across London yesterday evening and first thing this morning, all relating to the violent disorder in Whitehall last Wednesday.
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Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Last night more than one thousand officers were deployed across the capital ready to respond to any scenes of disorder. Their efforts and the strength of unity demonstrated by London's communities resulted in a largely peaceful evening.
“Over the last week dozens of officers have continued to investigate the violent disorder which broke out in Whitehall last Wednesday.
“Their efforts have resulted in a series of crucial arrests last night and in the early hours of this morning.
It comes as...
- Brits took to the nation's streets to crowd out far-right thugs
- Cops launched biggest operation EVER to crush planned riots
- Starmer calls for third emergency Cobra meeting over violence
- Far-right yobs are planning 11 MORE riots, The Sun reveals
- Social media bosses warned over surge of online hate
- Millionaire mum accused of being first person to spread a false claim that sparked riots
“What I want to make really clear is those we’ve arrested aren’t protestors, patriots or decent citizens. They’re thugs and criminals.
"Around 70 per cent have previous convictions for weapon possession, violence, drugs and other serious offences. Some have football banning orders. These are violent people taking to the streets under the guise of protest to engage in disorder.
“We’ve been really clear we won’t tolerate hate or intimidation. Ordinary Londoners have a right to live their lives without being in fear. Our message is clear - anyone thinking of causing disorder and disruption will be found and will be brought to justice.
”I expect many if not all of those arrested over the past 24 hours will be charged, will go to court and will spend years in prison.”
Cops hunt for thugs
Meanwhile, police forces across the country have released CCTV stills in an appeal to find people involved with riots in the past week.
Violent disorder first erupted in Southport after three young girls were stabbed to death, before spreading to other towns and cities across the UK, causing injuries to officers and widespread damage.
Merseyside Police detectives issued images of 14 people who may have information following incidents of disorder in Merseyside.
A number of yobs have already been charged by cops in recent days with hundreds appearing in court.
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Detective Superintendent Paul Speight said: “It is vital that these people make themselves known as soon as possible, as we think they can assist our ongoing investigations.
“The communities of Southport and beyond were disgusted by the violence and damage caused last week and at the weekend.
“We are still working our way through information, images and footage as it comes in and we’ll continue to take action to arrest, charge and put before the courts anyone identified."
He continued: “We have so far seen 42 people arrested, 15 charged and three jailed. There will be more in the coming days, and many people who are sitting comfortably will soon be getting a knock on their door.
“And you will see in coming days, the courts will act as swiftly as possible to jail those people who being violence, racism and hatred into our communities.
“To anyone intent on coming to Merseyside in the future I have the same message: we will find you, and we will put you before the courts.”
Many of the men pictured can be seen wearing face coverings, but some faces are clearly visible.
Yesterday, Northumbria Police simultaneously executed warrants at addresses in Washington and arrested two men on suspicion of violent disorder.
Riley Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent, and Reece Greenwood, 31, of The Gardens, have been charged with violent disorder and will appear before magistrates this morning in South Tyneside for their first hearing.
It takes the total arrested to 18 and forms part of the Force’s no-nonsense approach in the aftermath of the scenes that unfolded following a protest in the centre of Sunderland.
Meanwhile, South Yorkshire police have published 21 pictures in connection with violent disorder outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on Sunday.
Police had intelligence on a huge number of protests planned across the UK on Wednesday night following a week of riots.
However, after a massive planned police operation, it was mainly peaceful demonstrators who turned out and appeared to quash fears of further violent disorder.
Banks of police riot vans were in position from 5pm as King Charles made a formal request to be kept updated on the evolving situation after thugs vowed to target scores of migrant centres.
Early hopes the violence may not develop were boosted, however, as the first planned demonstration scheduled for 1pm saw only two protesters out of hundreds expected turn out at Thompson Park in Burnley.
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And in Brighton, counter-protesters outnumbered an anti-immigration group by about 100 to one.
Around 500 arrived to protect an asylum rights legal firm in Queens Road after just five thugs turned up to attempt to ransack it.
There were at least a dozen counter-protests held across the country overwhelming others attempting to fan the flames.
However, the government's policing minister has warned there is intelligence more protests could happen in the next few days after concerns about violence last night did not materialise.
Dame Diana Johnson said: "I am cautious about what happened last night.
"It's good that we didn't see the level of disorder and criminality on our streets that we have in previous days, but obviously this is just the start.
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"There is now further intelligence of events during the next few days, and we need to see what happens there."
She did not say how many and where these events are planned.
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