Bedfordshire Police are “are well prepared to take action” if riots break out, but they have urged Lutonians not to share online disinformation about potential unrest in the town.
Posts have been circulating online speculating about possible disorder that has blighted some of England’s major cities in the last week, but so far nothing has been substantiated.
Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has labelled the scenes of violence, vandalism, looting, anti-immigration hate and racism as “far right thuggery” and announced a “standing army” of specialist police officers to tackle the disorder.
Bedfordshire Police Detective Chief Superintendent Duncan Young said: “We appreciate people will be concerned about posts circulating online which reference potential protests in Bedfordshire. We want to reassure communities that we are standing up additional resources to counter any disorder and are working with partners to ensure that residents are safe and supported.
“Disinformation is a huge driver of the appalling violence we have seen across the country, and we know a lot of those taking part are doing so in direct response to what they’ve read online. We are continuing to ask the public to refrain from sharing ‘event’ details in any way as it may only serve to increase tension.
“Bedfordshire is a safe multicultural county and we and all our communities reject those who seek to divide and intimidate others.
“Whilst we continue to recognise the right to peaceful protest, we will not tolerate violence or disorder which risks harm to our communities, and we are well prepared to take action.
“Anyone taking part in, or inciting, this kind of behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
Luton Council Leader Hazel Simmons MBE and Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard have also sought to reassure local communities that police continue to monitor any potential local threats very carefully. They also echoed the call not to share disinformation online but report it to the police.
If you are aware of information about a future protest, you can report through web chat or 101. If an incident is in progress, please call 999.
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