Dawn raids across the country as dozens more convicted amid widespread violent disorder

So far, 149 charges have been brought, with that figure expected to continue to rise significantly as investigations progress, said the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

The total number of arrests has now risen to 483.

The NPCC said dawn raids took place in numerous force areas on Thursday morning (August 8), increasing the number of people expected to face justice for taking part in the disorder.

Thousands of public order officers were also deployed across the country on Wednesday night to protect communities from more than 160 planned demonstrations. Around 36 gatherings took place with minimal disorder and only a handful of arrests.

A further potential 20 gatherings and three counter-gatherings are planned for Thursday.

The NPCC said 5,000 public order trained officers continue to be deployed to respond to any unrest.

“This contingent will stay in place over the coming days as forces continue to gather intelligence on potential demonstrations at a local and national level,” it added.

An estimated 104 officers have been injured so far, with many hospitalised due to the extent of their injuries. Additional funding has been made available to Oscar Kilo, the national police wellbeing service, to support forces in giving those injured, physically and psychologically, the best chance of a swift recovery having been subject to such ferocious violence.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, National Police Chiefs’ Council chair, said: “Police action continues at full speed today as the number of arrests and charges in relation to the disorder reaches the hundreds.

“Officers and police staff are working flat out to progress investigations, acting on the mountain of intelligence and evidence gathered over the last week to secure convictions.

“Thousands of specially trained officers were deployed throughout England and Wales in response to planned demonstrations last night, and those officers will remain in place over the coming days. We are continually gathering and reviewing intelligence to ensure that officers are in the right place to protect communities.

“I would again like to thank the officers, staff and volunteers working around the clock to keep people safe, showing unwavering professionalism and bravery.

“We must not underestimate the physical and mental impact on officers facing the violent scenes from the past week. The criminal justice system is recognising the gravity of these offences to put those responsible behind bars.

“This is a worrying time for communities and hugely challenging for everyone involved. There has been incredible unity displayed across the country and this is how we tackle division, by standing together. Policing as a whole will continue to do its utmost to keep you safe.”

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “By the hour, further charges are being authorised, significant sentences of imprisonment are being passed, and justice continues to be served after an extremely difficult period for the country.

“Our prosecutors are continuing to work swiftly and effectively in collaboration with the police. I am immensely proud of the way that the criminal justice system has responded so quickly and well, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that justice is done and seen to be done.”

Police Federation of England and Wales acting national chair Tiffany Lynch said: “Our colleagues across the country have exhibited they are most professional in the world, and they will continue to uphold the law despite all the challenges. I sincerely hope that not a single officer in the country is now targeted, and the offenders continue to face full force of the law.”

The first prison sentences have been handed down for those involved in one of the recent incidents of disorder in the North East of England.

Ryan Sheers, 28, of Powlett Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder. He was today sentenced to two years and two months’ imprisonment at Teesside Crown Court.

Steven Mailen, 54, of Arch Court, Hartlepool, also pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and two months’ imprisonment at the same court.

Bobby Shirbon, 18, of Cornwall Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage and two charges of violent disorder. He was sentenced to 20 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Keiron Gatenby, 19, of Yeovil Walk, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder. He was sentenced to 16 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.

All of the men were involved in the widely-condemned disorder in Hartlepool on July 31, which appears to have been fuelled by deliberate online misinformation.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said hundreds of prosecutors have been working around the clock, making rapid charging decisions so that suspects can be brought before the courts without delay.

Christopher Atkinson, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said: “The tough sentences handed out today should serve as a lesson for anyone considering taking part in this type of disorder across the North East.

“This show of violence on the streets of Hartlepool has done nothing but instil fear in local residents and cause damage to local businesses.

“I would like to praise the excellent work of Cleveland Police in dealing with this disorder. In addition to their brave response to a particularly difficult situation, they have also secured key evidence against multiple offenders which has assisted us greatly in building such robust cases against those involved.

“We will continue to work closely with our police partners, responding swiftly and robustly to any activity which threatens the safety of the communities we serve.

“Our message is clear: we stand ready to secure convictions and push for the strongest possible sentences against anyone involved in violent unrest.

“The appalling scenes of violence like those seen in Hartlepool last week will not be tolerated. The CPS will continue to work swiftly alongside partners in the criminal justice system to haul anyone involved before the court to face the full consequences of their actions.”

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton of Cleveland Police said: “Over the last week officers have been faced with extremely challenging situations involving individuals who had nothing else in mind but the intent to cause violence.

“Within seven days of the Hartlepool disorder those set on committing serious violence have been arrested, charged and now sentenced by the court. This sends a very firm message to anyone continuing to think of committing sheer violence.

“Our investigation remains on going and I want to encourage members of the public to keep reporting information – no matter how small you think it might be.”

The first sentences have already been handed down in the South West for offenders involved in the violent disorder and looting in Plymouth City Centre on Monday.

Lucas Ormond Skeaping, 29, Daniel McGuire, 45, and Michael Williams, 51, all pleaded guilty on Wednesday to violent disorder and were sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on Thursday.

Guy Sullivan, 43, pleaded guilty to burglary and was also sentenced at the same court.

They were jailed for 18, 26, 32 and 16 months respectively for their involvement in the violent unrest.

Police reviewed Go-Pro footage of Ormond Skeaping that clearly showed him throwing objects at those who had gathered. He also admitted to pushing a cyclist off their bicycle as part of a so-called counter-protest.

McGuire spat at police officers while Williams was seen hurling bottles and rocks at police. Williams was also seen kicking another man before he was arrested at the scene.

Sullivan broke into a nearby Tesco while the disorder was ongoing.

Victoria Cook, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “The substantial sentences handed down today should send a chilling message to those arrested, those sat in cells ahead of their court hearing and those still waiting for a knock from the police.

“Within 72 hours, these offenders have been charged, convicted and jailed, underlining the CPS’s commitment to swift justice and ensuring those involved in disorder are given the strongest possible penalties.

“We continue to work at pace with our partners across the criminal justice system to ensure anyone sewing chaos in their communities face the consequences of their actions.”

Avon and Somerset Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said: “The incidents of disorder we’ve seen take place across the country recently, including in Bristol on Saturday, are completely unacceptable.

“These are not legitimate protests and we will not tolerate any behaviour which attempts to divide our communities.”

Elsewhere, John O’Malley, 43, of Southport, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Adam Wharton, 28, of Kirkdale, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to burglary with intent to steal.

Ellis Wharton, 22, of Kirkdale, was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to burglary with intent to steal.

William Morgan, 69, of Walton, was jailed for two years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Nick Price, Director of Legal Services for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Our prosecutors are working round-the-clock to make sure lawbreakers can be brought before the courts without delay and face the consequences of their actions.”

He confirmed that three people were jailed on Wednesday.

Liam James Riley, 41, of Walton Road, Kirkdale was jailed for 20 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool city centre.

Derek Drummond, 58, of Pool Street, Liverpool was jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker in Southport.

Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool was jailed for two and a half years after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson (to a police vehicle) in Liverpool city centre.