Disorder arrests will continue for months, says NPCC

In the past week almost 600 arrests have been made and around 150 people charged in connection with violent disorder – with hundreds more suspects identified.

It follows widespread disorder following the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport.

Forces have confirmed they are prepared and ready, with 6,000 public order trained officers to remain on duty in the coming days.

Supported by detectives, community officers, staff and volunteers, policing is focused on protecting communities, so they can recover and reunite, said the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

So far, forces have made a total of 595 arrests for offences ranging from violent disorder to theft and anti-social behaviour.

Hundreds more suspects have been identified who will be arrested in the coming days and weeks thanks to technology such as facial recognition.

The NPCC said “relentless detective work and partnership with criminal justice partners” will continue, with thousands of hours of CCTV, drone footage, body-worn video and online content scoured as investigations continue at pace.

More custody cells and prison places are also available so those responsible for serious disorder can be dealt with robustly.

“The swift results are the combination of relentless detective work and continued partnership with criminal justice partners,” the NPCC said.

“Despite a calmer two nights in towns and cities across the country, policing leads have reassured communities they are ready and prepared, so that people can enjoy the many planned events this summer weekend.”

NPCC chair, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, said: “We are working hard to bring this disorder to an end, but arrests are just getting started – and we have already made hundreds. We won’t stop until communities get the justice they deserve after suffering such violence and the spreading of online hate.

“While the previous two nights have been a welcome break from the appalling scenes of the last week, and may have reached a turning point, we are by no means complacent.

“Thousands of specially trained officers remain on duty, ready to tackle any unrest and disorder, and we continue to monitor, gather and review intelligence to make sure our officers are where they need to be to keep their communities safe.

“We are doing everything we can to protect people so that they can enjoy a summer weekend, with many planned sporting fixtures and community celebrations.

“Our message to those involved in violence is that we continue to comb through thousands of images, live-streams and videos as well as body worn footage to find you.

“We are grateful to those who are calling us to identify those in the images circulated by forces.  We are also grateful for the many messages of support to the officers, staff and volunteers that have faced hatred, racial abuse and violence whilst doing their job.

“Once again, I like to extend a message of thanks to our communities, who deserve better than the violent scenes of the last week.

“To our officers, staff and volunteers thank you for your continued professionalism and resilience during this challenging time.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I met with police chiefs from across the country again this morning to thank them and their officers for their strong, coordinated response to this criminal violence as we run up to the weekend – getting thousands more police onto the streets and pursuing fast arrests and prosecutions.

“I reiterated that the police and the wider criminal justice system have the Government’s full support in making sure those who have committed crimes are brought rapidly to justice and in their work to keep our streets and communities safe. We said criminals would pay the price and we meant it.”

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “Ahead of the weekend, more than 100 extra Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutors stand ready to respond rapidly to emerging requirements for charging decisions and advice.

“We understand the deterrence impact of a swift and robust response from law enforcement. Our aim is to make immediate charging decisions where we can, to enable courts to sentence within days.

“My advice to anyone considering taking part in violent disorder – don’t. You will almost certainly be caught, convicted, and likely imprisoned.”

The Metropolitan Police Service said so far more than 30 people have been charged and thousands of officers will be on duty this weekend as it continues to support and reassure communities.

“They will continue to focus relentlessly on anyone suspected of fueling violence, disorder and hate in our city,” the force said.

“Teams are also visiting faith and community venues in their local areas to listen to the concerns of residents and provide reassurance.

“Investigators are pursuing dozens of cases and more than 30 people have now been charged following disorder and antisocial behaviour.

“They are working closely with the CPS, which has made extra lawyers available to ensure swift decision making.”

Following events in Walthamstow and Hounslow on Wednesday night (August 7) four people have been charged with offences including possessing offensive weapons, going equipped to cause criminal damage and assaulting emergency workers.

Eight others have been charged with offences including failing to comply with a dispersal order, violent disorder and assaulting emergency workers following anti-social behaviour in Croydon on Wednesday evening.

As of Friday, 21 people have now been charged as a result of disorder in Whitehall on the evening of July 31.

They are accused of crimes including violent disorder, possessing offensive weapons, possessing Class A drugs and public order offences.

Several suspects have already appeared before magistrates and many more are due to appear in the coming days.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is leading the police operation, said: “It has been hugely heartening to see communities come together this week and it is our privilege to support them.

“Nevertheless, we won’t tolerate hate or intimidation and that is why more than 30 people have been charged with a range of offences.

“Our message is clear – anyone thinking of causing disorder and disruption will be found and will be brought to justice.

“This weekend you will see our officers in your neighbourhoods. They are there to help you and if you have any concerns please speak to them.”

Jaswant Narwal and Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutors with responsibility for the two CPS London areas, said: “Prosecutors across London are working in real-time with the police to provide legal advice, authorise charges, and get perpetrators into court quickly to deliver justice.

“There can be no doubt that anyone involved in disorder, hate crimes or social media related offences will be prosecuted.

“We’re using a variety of offences and court orders to make sure that perpetrators receive tough penalties.”

Donna Jones, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, and police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “I wish to thank the brave police officers who have helped to keep our communities safe following the terrible scenes of violent disorder. Rest days and annual leave have been cancelled; thank you to all officers affected.

“The incidents over the last week have seen the National Police Command Centre (NPOC) used for incident response of this nature for the first time since the 2011 riots.

“Over 100 officers have been injured. Whilst people have a right to protest there is a difference between protesting and rioting.

“Violent disorder will never be tolerated.

“Thank you to communities across the UK who have come together to keep cities and towns safe and to prevent further unrest.”

In its latest update, the CPS confirmed:

Richard David Williams, 34, was jailed for three months at Mold Magistrates’ Court after sending a menacing message on social media.

Sameer Ali, 21, was jailed for 20 months at Leeds Crown Court after admitting affray.

Adnan Ghafoor, 31, was jailed for 18 months at Leeds Crown Court after admitting affray.

Tyler Kay, 26, was jailed for 38 months at Northampton Crown Court after publishing online material intending to stir up racial hatred.

Jordan Parlour, 28, was jailed for 20 months after publishing online material intending to stir up racial hatred.

Jordan Plain, 30, was jailed for eight months at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to racially aggravated harassment.

Jordan Davies, 32, was jailed for 28 months at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession of a knife in a public place.

Daniel Baldock, 37, was jailed for 14 weeks at Thanet Magistrates’ Court  after pleading guilty to disorderly behaviour.

Kenzie Roughley, 18, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to two years and four months in a young offender institution after admitting violent disorder.

Ozzie Cush, 20, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to 46 weeks detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Bryan Gallon, 25, was jailed for 26 weeks at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment.

Justin Crimp, 49, was jailed for 32 months at Plymouth Crown Court after admitting violent disorder and criminal damage.

Leanne Hodgson, 43, was jailed for two and a half years at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Josh Kellett, 29, was jailed for two and a half years at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Bradley Makin, 21, was jailed for two years at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Andrew Smith, 41, was jailed for 26 months at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Billy Thompson, 31, was jailed for 12 weeks at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court for sending offensive communications.

Andrew Stewart, 37, was jailed for 30 months at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Brandon Kirkwood, 20, was jailed for 30 months at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Christopher Douglas, 35, was handed a sentence of two years and eight months at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.