APCC chair calls for ‘calm and honesty’ amid worrying level of rioting and civil unrest

In a statement issued on Saturday (August 3), Donna Jones said: “The rioting and civil unrest across the country following the murder of three children in Southport on Tuesday, has escalated to a worrying level.

“Police officers have been injured, buildings have been targeted because of those living in them or worshiping at them and police cars and vans set on fire. Millions of pounds of damage has been done and more than 100 people have been arrested, with many more expected.

“Police stations are burning, police officers’ annual leave has been cancelled, and riot police are dusting off their shields from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

“The behaviour of some of those protesting has been extremely violent, highly distressing and absolutely criminal.”

It comes after Northumbria Police condemned the latest violence and disorder witnessed in Sunderland on Friday that resulted in three injured officers being taken to hospital.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, who led the policing operation, said: “The shocking scenes we have witnessed in Sunderland this evening are completely unacceptable.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the disorder, violence and damage which has occurred will not be tolerated.

“The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware that a protest had been planned, we ensured there was an increased policing presence in the city.

“During the course of the evening those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable.

“In the face of these attacks, they showed unwavering commitment for which I wholeheartedly thank them, as I am certain the overwhelming majority of people in Sunderland will also.

“We can confirm that three officers were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.

“One has since been discharged with the other two remaining in hospital for further treatment.”

“We also thank our partners for the significant support they have shown throughout the evening.

She said anyone involved in the disorder can expect to “be dealt with robustly – and that action has already begun”.

Eight people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including violent disorder and burglary.

Chief Supt Barron said a  full investigation is now under way to identify anyone else responsible.

She added: “The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold. However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.

“We want to be clear anyone planning to involve themselves in disorder in the future should stay at home.

“We also know the behaviour displayed is in no way representative of our friendly and welcoming region.

“We therefore want to deliver a further message direct to our communities – we are aware that the actions we have seen this evening can be an attempt to drive division amongst us all and we are committed to making sure that does not happen.

“We have incredibly cohesive communities here which we are proud to be a part of and to serve.

“This is just one of the reasons which makes our region such a special place to live, work and visit. We are stronger together.”

Ms Jones, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “This weekend a number of protests are planned across the country and across political and ideological spectrums.”

“The announcement of the Prime Minister’s new Violent Crime Units have led to an accusation of two tier policing, which has enflamed protestors who state they are battling to protect Britain’s sovereignty, identity and stop illegal immigration. Burning towns and cities and attacking the police is not the answer, so how do we stop it?

“I’ve spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder, is to acknowledge what is causing it.

“Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas: the desire to protect Britain’s sovereignty; the need to uphold British values and in order to do this, stop illegal immigration.

“The growth of feeling across the country has mirrored (to a lesser extent) the rebellion to illegal immigration that has played out across France over the last 12 months.

“The Government must acknowledge what is causing this civil unrest in order to prevent it.

“Arresting  people, or creating violent disorder units, is treating the symptom and not the cause.

“The questions these people want answering; what is the Government’s solution to mass uncontrolled immigration? How are the new Labour government going to uphold and build on British values? This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Kier Starmer’s government, and its bitten quickly.”

She added: “As a national police leader, and a PCC, someone who has spent almost two decades representing the public, this is the clear message I will put to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary this week.

“We all need to work together to stop this mindless criminal behaviour committed by a small number of people, whilst understanding the views of those attending rallies who feel strongly but don’t cause disorder.”