Met has 1,300 officers to deploy during disorder

The Metropolitan Police has said it has more than 1,300 officers ready to be deployed across London as the country experiences "one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade".

It follows more than a week of violence in some towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland. More than 100 people were arrested in central London last week when officers clashed with demonstrators in Whitehall.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said the force was aware of "events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital" and it would "not hesitate" to arrest people.

He thanked Londoners who had condemned the disorder and urged people not to share "inflammatory online speculation".

"We also ask parents to think carefully about where their children are today and in coming days," he added.

Mr Valentine said more than 1,300 public order officers were ready to be deployed in addition to officers already working in communities across the capital.

“We will not tolerate any disorder and will make arrests," he said.

He added the force would use mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and "evidence gatherers", as well as "retrospective facial recognition".

"This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks," he said.

"This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities."

London Fire Brigade said it was also poised to respond to incidents.

Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt said: “We’re in close contact with our colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service and are ready to support them in responding to emergencies where required.

“We will also be closely coordinating with the Met to ensure the safety of our crews, as they work to protect London’s communities.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the disorder had been "truly shocking".

On Wednesday morning, he said: "I’m aware of reports that far-right groups are now planning to target locations in London and I want to be very clear to anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear in our city – if you break the law, action will be taken against you."

In a statement on X, he said: “I am in constant touch with the Met who are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to protect targeted buildings and places of worship, as well as provide reassurance for Londoners.

“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.

The disorder follows the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport, with the subsequent unrest partly fuelled by misinformation online, the far right and anti-immigration sentiment.

Mr Valentine said Met officers had "faced dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse" during the disorder, and "members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured".

He added: "Our officers and our communities have truly pulled together in these difficult times."

Across the UK, suspects have continued to appear in court, with about 100 people charged and more than 400 arrested in connection with the disorder.

Hundreds of extra prison spaces are also being made available to deal with the influx.

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