British police are preparing for the possibility of more violence as far-right protesters reportedly plan to target dozens of locations across the United Kingdom. Authorities announced the mobilization of around 6,000 specially trained officers on Wednesday, Aug. 7, in response to the ongoing threats.
Riots have impacted cities and towns across the U.K. as anti-Muslim extremists have clashed with police and counterprotesters. The riots began after misinformation spread about the identity of a stabbing suspect charged with killing three young girls and injuring 10 other people.
The teen suspect, who was born and raised in Great Britain, was falsely reported to be a Muslim immigrant.
Online posts by far-right activists reportedly vowed immigration centers and law firms that help migrants would be targeted on Wednesday. The threats forced many businesses to close up shop for the day and board up buildings. One expert noted the threat to businesses is not only physical.
“So, the greatest risks that we’re seeing to businesses across the U.K., obviously, harm to individuals, the loss of life or serious bodily harm,” Noah Price, the director of G4S Academy International, said. “But I think businesses also need to be concerned about loss of business. Their businesses being closed down as a result of these protests.”
Rioters with anti-immigrant signs have attacked mosques and hotels that are housing migrants, with some violent counter attacks reported.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a second consecutive emergency meeting on Tuesday to coordinate the response to the crisis.
The government announced measures to protect mosques, and London’s mayor said that the police, city hall and community leaders are working to protect targeted buildings.
Meanwhile, London Police Chief Mark Rowley said officers were in key strategic locations to respond to any violence and vowed protection for businesses and people.
Courts have been open 24 hours in an effort to handle the ongoing riots. So far, more than 400 people have been arrested. This is the worst civil unrest in the U.K. in over a decade. Nearly 150 people have been charged with crimes related to the riots.
The government has pledged to prosecute and jail those responsible for the riots, and prosecutions are already underway for some riots. In one case, a man was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to punching a police officer in the face during a riot in Southport on July 30.
