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British police brace for anti-Muslim riots and counter protests

Britain has been gripped by an escalating wave of violence that erupted early last week

Published

2 hours ago

Aug 07, 2024 03:01 PM

Web Desk

British police brace for anti-Muslim riots and counter protests

London (Reuters) - British police braced for further anti-Muslim riots on Wednesday as far-right groups planned to target asylum centres and immigration law firms across the country, prompting anti-fascist protesters to organise counter demonstrations.

Britain has been gripped by an escalating wave of violence that erupted early last week when three young girls were killed in a knife attack in northwest England, triggering a wave of false messaging online that wrongly identified the suspected killer as an Islamist migrant.

Specialist immigration law firms and migrant support centres shut for the day and some family doctors services in areas affected by the protests said they would close early to protect their staff.

Messages also swirled on social media, with people with large online followings relaying police guidance and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups detailing areas to avoid.

Asylum Link Merseyside, which supports asylum seekers and refugees in Liverpool, said its building was shut and would not accept any arrivals. "Our staff are currently working on securing the building," it said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former chief prosecutor who is facing his first crisis since winning a July 4 election, has warned rioters they will face lengthy jail terms as he sought to stamp out the worst outbreak of violence in Britain in 13 years.

"Our first duty is to ensure our communities are safe," he told broadcasters.

"They will be safe. We are doing everything we can to ensure that where a police response is needed, it is in place, where support is needed for particular places, that is in place."

In towns and cities groups of a few hundred rioters have clashed with police and smashed windows of hotels housing asylum-seekers from Africa and the Middle East, chanting "get them out" and "stop the boats" - a reference to those arriving in Britain in small dinghies without permission.

They have also pelted mosques with rocks, terrifying local communities including ethnic minorities who have felt targeted by the violence.

"I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities scared and fearful, so I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about," London Mayor Sadiq Khan said.