Leaders in Luton have sought to reassure communities about “potential local threats” in the wake of violent riots in cities across the country.
Luton Council Leader Hazel Simmons MBE and Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard have said that “potential local threats” are being monitored. They also urged local people to be vigilant against social media disinformation which has been used by the instigators of the disorder, dubbed “far right thuggery” by Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer.
There was unrest in Belfast, Darlington and Plymouth last night, continuing outbreaks of violence, vandalism, looting and anti-immigration hate and racism that has erupted in the week since false claims were made on social media that the killer of three young girls in Southport was a refugee.
In response, Prime Minister Starmer has announced a “standing army” of specialist police officers is ready to tackle the disorder and hundreds have since been arrested, while courts will sit for 24-hours to deal with suspects. The government will also introduce more than 500 additional prison places.
In Luton, Cllr Simmons and PCC Tizard said: “Along with everyone concerned across our community, we have been watching the deplorable violent events in a number cities over the weekend targeting minority communities and the police with revulsion and grave concern.
“We want to reassure all people in Luton that Bedfordshire Police continues to monitor any potential local threats very carefully. We also continue to ensure that all community safety partners are fully prepared to respond and protect the public and community if any disorder should occur in the town.
“It is critical that everyone understands that the perpetrators of this violent and hateful disorder are actively using high levels of disinformation to magnify and spread fear and confusion, and divert already stretched resources from where they are actually needed to protect the public.
“For this reason, we would ask everyone to ensure that any information that they receive circulating on social media with regard to protests, gatherings, threats, hate crimes or other incidents related to the current context is reported immediately and directly into the Police via 101/Crimestoppers to be verified.
“It is very important that such information is not shared more widely unless it is fully corroborated. Where and when necessary, Bedfordshire Police will share any credible threats or risks directly with community partners, and if appropriate the wider community.
“Reporting in to the Police by the appropriate channels is also hugely important so they can have a clear picture of the actual situation and any threats and risks across the town to be able to share this with partners and the public.
“By working in this way together, we can all take responsibility to ensure that community tensions are not made worse, the risks of disorder are minimised, and that we work as one community to keep everyone safe.”
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