Southport rioter Derek Drummond has been jailed for three years for assaulting a police officer. The court heard that 93 Merseyside police officers had been injured during the unrest over the past eight days, with some suffering serious physical injuries. Merseyside police chief constable Serena Kennedy expressed disbelief at the level of violence and thanked officers for their bravery.
Meanwhile, Police Scotland has urged the public to be cautious about sharing information on potential protests, while the Chairs of Mosques in Walthamstow have advised community members to avoid joining counter protests. The Muslim Council of Britain has also issued guidance for Muslims on staying safe during these turbulent times.
In response to accusations that he has incited support for the far-right, Nigel Farage has denied involvement in the riots and cited a rise in concern about immigration as a policy area in light of the recent unrest. The Metropolitan police in London have warned parents to know where their children are, as they gear up for what is anticipated to be a serious public order challenge.
Police are prepared to make arrests and are utilizing various specialist teams to prevent disorder. They are also using facial recognition technology to identify offenders. The police are urging the public not to spread inflammatory speculation online and to give officers space to carry out their duties. The focus remains on maintaining order and protecting communities during this difficult time.
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