Summary
PM Keir Starmer condemns "far-right thuggery" on UK streets and says those involved "will regret it"
His comments follow violence in several cities on Saturday and further unrest on Sunday
Earlier, a crowd chanting "get them out" smashed windows at the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham and started a fire
Police officers with riot shields surrounded the building and tried to push people back - and extinguished the fire
More than 140 people have been arrested in relation to disorder since Saturday night
There are also demonstrations in Bolton, Weymouth, Southport and Middlesbrough, where the crowd broke through a police line
Protests organised by the far-right started across the country after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on Monday
Live Reporting
Edited by Jamie Whitehead and Tom McArthur
Another day of chaos across Englandpublished at 20:45 4 August
20:45 4 August
Jamie Whitehead
Live reporterWe're bringing our coverage of the violence seen in several towns around England to a close now.
A riot in Rotherham was followed by violent scenes in Middlesbrough, with chanting between rival groups and one arrest.
If you want more on this story:
- Starmer condemns "far right thuggery" after more violence
- Southport has 'mixed emotions' as disorder follows attack
- Opposing protest groups separated by police in Weymouth
- And in Hull, the community shows trouble "does not represent" the city
Thank you for joining us today, the coverage was bought to you by Sophie Abdullah, Seher Asaf, Ruth Comerford, Sean Seddon, Zahra Fatima, Lucy Clarke-Billings, Tiffany Wertheimer, George Bowden, Sam Horti, Tom McArthur and me.
A roundup of what's happened todaypublished at 20:39 4 August
20:39 4 August
Image source, ReutersThere’s been a lot goingaround England today, let’s bring you up to speed on some of Sunday’s toplines:
- At least ten police officers were injured during a demonstration which turned into a riot at the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham. A large bin was set alight, and we also saw protestors smashing windows and doors, before managing to get inside the building where asylum seekers are staying
- At least one car was overturned and set on fire in Middlesbrough as demonstraters managed to break free of the police. Burning wheelie bins were pushed towards officers as the group marched through the town. Around 300 people gathered to protect a mosque in the town
- Police contained around 400 protestors from opposing sides who were gathered on Weymouth seafront. One person has been arrested
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned "far-right thuggery" on UK streets and has promised swift convictions for those responsible. He also announced emergency security will be offered to mosques at risk of violence
- And two men have been charged with committing violent disorder in Liverpool yesterday, Merseyside Police say
Swinney warns against 'unhelpful speculation' after Scotland stabbingpublished at 20:13 4 August
20:13 4 August
Turning to Scotland, where the First Minister John Swinney has warned against the "unhelpful speculation" surrounding the identity of a man who allegedly stabbed a 21-year-old woman in the central Scottish city of Stirling on Saturday.
She was treated in hospital for "non-life threatening" injuries, and a 29-year old man has been arrested.
However, social media rumours, promoted by EDL founder Tommy Robinson, suggested the attacker was Muslim.
Police Scotland have said these claims are false, and in quite an unusual move for the force, have confirmed the man arrested is white and from the local area.
Swinney says the incident is "isolated", but his predecessor, Humza Yousaf is now urging PM Keir Starmer to call in the army to try and quell some of the violence we're seeing in places like Rotherham.
He wrote on X: "How much worse does it have to get before the army is sent in Keir Starmer? The police clearly do not have a handle on this situation".
Today is nothing different for Weymouth and Portlandpublished at 19:50 4 August
19:50 4 August
Sophie Cridland
Reporting from WeymouthThere’s been tensions overimmigration here in Weymouth since April last year, when it was announced thatthe Bibby Stockholm would be housing asylum seekers waiting for theirapplications to be processed.
That caused a divide in the community and two groupsformed - but both opposed the barge thatis now berthed at Portland Port.
One saying they didn’t feel safe with around 500foreign men aged 18 - 65 being brought in to the community.
The other group felt it was inhumane to house people ona barge that they say is similar to a prison.
It’s been protest after protest here since summer lastyear with both groups clashing, so today is nothing different for the communityof Weymouth and Portland.
Crowds gather to protect Middlesbrough mosquepublished at 19:34 4 August
19:34 4 August
Image source, Ian Forsyth/ StringerEarlier today around 300 people gathered to guard theJamia Masjid al-Madinah mosque in Middlesbrough, as anti-immigration demonstrationsmarched through the town.
See AlsoUK riots: Why are far-right groups attacking immigrants and Muslims?Starmer promises communities 'will be safe' after emergency meeting on UK riotsBreakfast in Iceland: Top Spots, Typical Dishes + Breakfast CultureHoliday Inn & Suites Duluth Downtown, an IHG Hotel | DuluthAtleast one car has been set alight in the Teesside town and burning wheelie binshave been pushed toward police officers.
"We're going to be paying for this, and forwhat?" one resident told PA News Agency.
"This has nothing to do with three littlegirls that have lost their lives. They've used it to cause utter mayhem on ourstreets".
Cleveland Police say 14 arrests have beenmade so far.
Protesters contained in Weymouthpublished at 19:23 4 August
19:23 4 August
Sophie Cridland
Reporting from WeymouthPolice havecontained protesters here on Weymouth esplanade.
Around 30police from Dorset and the neighbouring counties of Devon and Cornwall aremanaging the groups.
Both sidesare still chanting with one shouting “save our streets” and the other “shame onyou”
Traffic isnow moving and the buses and cars that were at a standstill have moved on withthe road fully open around the King’s Statue.Police riot vans are still surrounding the pedestrianised sea front blocking inthe protestors, away from members of the public.
Ten police officers injured in Rotherham hotel violencepublished at 19:12 4 August
19:12 4 August
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) says at least 10 officers were injured in the "deplorable acts of violence" at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Rotherham earlier today.
One officer was left unconscious after a head injury, SYP says, with other officers suffering suspected broken bones, including a suspected fractured elbow.
There have so far been no reports of any hotel staff or residents being injured in the disorder.
"We absolutely condemn the scenes of disorder we witnessed, with a total of around 700 people in attendance in Manvers Way earlier today," a statement says.
"A large bin close to a window of the hotel was also set alight causing a small fire which was later extinguished, with missiles, including glass bottles and beer cans, thrown at our officers."
Image source, PAWill Starmer's tough talk be enough to quell the unrest?published at 18:47 4 August
18:47 4 August
Hannah Miller
Political correspondentKeir Starmer has sounded tough on the violentdisorder for days - today branding it "far-right thuggery".
His warning to those taking part that they willregret it extended not just to those committing criminal acts on the streets,but also those stirring it up online.
Mosques have been offered emergency security, extraprosecutors have been brought in, and ministerial meetings have been held overthe weekend.
But still the violence continues, and it remains tobe seen whether tough language will bring it to an end.
The government believes that once people seearrests, charges and convictions becoming a reality, they will think twiceabout taking part.
Forcommunities and individuals who feel at risk, it has already been going on toolong.
More police arrive in Weymouthpublished at 18:27 4 August
18:27 4 August
Sophie Cridland
Reporting from WeymouthDorset Police have built a physical wall usingthemselves and about five riot vans to stop the two protest groups meeting onthe road and the esplanade.
The anti-immigration group is slowly moving towardsStand up to Racism Dorset, which the police are trying to stop.
They’ve called in more resources and in the last 10minutes, more police vans have turned up.
Trafficis at a standstill in the town centre with buses and cars trying to leave thearea, but they are stuck waiting at the King’s Statue.
Protesters face off in Weymouthpublished at 18:13 4 August
18:13 4 August
Sophie Cridland
Reporting from WeymouthAbout 400 protestors from opposing sides aregathered on Weymouth seafront chanting at each other.
On one side, the crowd is chanting "Weymouthand Portland welcome refugees" with placards saying "Nazis gohome".
The other group are chanting "TommyRobinson", waving Union Jack flags and holding signs that read "I[love] my country".
Officers have moved people off the beach becausesome anti-immigration protesters pushed through the police line and ran up theseafront.
Protestersfrom opposing sides are gradually getting closer to each other.
The latest on another day of clashespublished at 18:03 4 August
18:03 4 August
Image source, PA MediaThere have been several fast-moving developments today - here's the latest:
- In Rotherham, hundreds of anti-immigration protesters surrounded the Holiday Inn Express hotel, where some people lit a fire, smashed windows and doors and managed to get inside the building where asylum seekers were staying. Riot police surrounded the hotel and pushed crowds back, but the scene there remains tense
- Crowds in Middlesbrough set fire to an overturned car and pushed burning wheelie bins at police
- A protest in Bolton started off peacefully, but then became heated when two groups clashed. One, most with faces covered by face masks or balaclavas - charged towards town hall shouting "Allahu Akbar" - or God is greatest. They clashed with a separate group waving England flags
- There were heated scenes in Bolton where two groups of protesters clashed
- There have also been protests in Hull and Weymouth
- PM Keir Starmer has condemned the "far-right thuggery" and vowed to do "whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice"
- The Home Office says that mosques will be offered greater protection with new "emergency security" measures that can be rapidly deployed where needed
- And 147 arrests have been made across the country since Saturday night, and police are expecting that number to rise
Stay with us, we'll continue to bring you all the latest updates.
Rishi Sunak condemns 'criminal behaviour'published at 17:50 4 August
17:50 4 August
Image source, Getty ImagesRishi Sunak saysthe unrest across the country is "violent, criminal behaviour that has noplace in our society."
The formerPM, now leader of the opposition, wrote on X, external that the violence has"nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport" and added that thepolice have "our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly".
147 arrests and more to come, police chief sayspublished at 17:32 4 August
17:32 4 August
Since Saturday night, police have made 147 arrests across the country, and that number is expected to rise, BJ Harrington of the National Police Chiefs’ Council has said in a statement, external.
He blamed disinformation for driving the "appalling violence", adding that "often posts are being shared and amplified by high profile accounts".
He also had a warning for those involved in the unrest:
“Intelligence teams, detectives and neighbourhood officers are working round the clock to identify and apprehend those involved and make no mistake, if you haven’t had a knock on the door yet, your time will come."
Car set alight and windows smashed as unrest continues in Middlesbroughpublished at 17:21 4 August
17:21 4 August
Image source, PA MediaWe've seen crowds gather today in Rotherham, Bolton, Hull, Southport, Middlesbrough, and elsewhere, with varying levels of unrest.
In Middlesbrough, the BBC team has witnessed demonstrators carry a banner referring to the Southport knife attacks, before throwing cans and bottles at police officers and shops with the shutters down.
Youths wearing masks have attacked cars, with one overturned and set alight.
Cars and homes in side streets around the town centre have also been targeted, their windows smashed. Wheelie bins have also been set alight.
The local police force, Cleveland Police, say they've made nine arrests so far.
People are being advised to stay away from the area.
Image source, PA MediaFaith leaders say 'there is no place for hate'published at 17:13 4 August
17:13 4 August
Faith leaders across Merseyside have said "too many people have sought to use the [Southport] tragedy to create division and hate".
Leaders from the Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Hindu communities, among others, issued a joint statement this afternoon.
"Division can destroy the very relationships and environment that we depend upon every day of our lives and there is no place for hate in our communities," it read.
Quote Message
It can - and has - left communities in fear and has put people in danger.
The statement called for "community spirit" and urged people to remember that "there is far more that unites than divides us".
Mosques will get new 'rapid response' security, Home Office sayspublished at 17:07 4 August
17:07 4 AugustBreaking
The Home Office has just announced a new security scheme for mosques. It says mosques "at risk of violent disorder" will now be able to request "rapid response" personnel.
"The police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible," a Home Office statement says.
The new security measures will "build on" the government's existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, which already funds security at mosques and Muslim schools.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”
Earlier, PM Keir Starmer called unrest in UK streets "far-right thuggery", and said that Muslim communities had been targeted.
'I know how frightening this must be'published at 16:54 4 August
16:54 4 August
Image source, Downing StreetStarmer described the scenes in Rotherham as "marauding gangs intent on law-breaking and nothing else" and said they left "residents and staff in absolute fear".
To those that feel targeted, he said: "I know how frightening it must be."
He promised that the "violent mob do not represent our country" and said: "If you target people because of the colour of their skin or faith, that is far-right and I’m prepared to say so."
"Our police deserve our support as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up," he added.
Quote Message
Whatever the apparent cause or motive... we make no distinction: crime is crime, and this government will tackle it.
The PM said he had held meetings throughout the weekend to make sure the "necessary support" is in place.
Starmer promises convictions to 'bring thugs to justice'published at 16:46 4 August
16:46 4 August
Starmer vowed to do "whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice" as he addressed the nation following ongoing unrest across parts of the country.
He said there will be arrests, there will be charges and there will be convictions, "whatever the apparent cause or motivation".
"This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online," he said.
He specifically condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham this afternoon.
The PM said those participating in violence, including those "whipping up this action online", would regret it.
PM condemns 'far-right thuggery'published at 16:39 4 August
16:39 4 AugustBreaking
Keir Starmer has condemned what he has called "far-right thuggery" in the form of violent demonstrations.
Speaking to reporters at Downing Street just now, the prime minister said those involved will feel the "full force of the law".
"You will regret taking part in this," he told those involved in the unrest.
"There is no justification for taking this action."
He said people in this country "have a right to be safe" and yet we've seen "Muslim communities targeted... Nazi salutes in the street".
"I won't shy away from calling it what it is - far-right thuggery," Starmer said.
Rotherham violence 'utterly appalling' says Cooperpublished at 16:31 4 August
16:31 4 AugustBreaking
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has posted on X about the scenes in Rotherham.
"The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling," she says.
"Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible."
