Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner says force is prepared ahead of any riots as officers deployed to South Yorkshire following Rotherham protests
Lincolnshire Police officers were deployed in South Yorkshire to deal with large-scale riots over the weekend and the force’s police and crime commissioner said “plans are in place” for a protest planned in Lincoln.
The UK is in a state of rebellion amid a series of riots across parts of England over the last week, initially beginning in response to the shocking mass stabbing of children in Southport on July 29 — in which teenager Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Banks in Lancashire, was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a curved kitchen knife.
It saw tensions spill out onto the streets, and spates of violent disorder have destroyed communities up and down the country, from Middlesbrough to Plymouth, Hull to Rotherham. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “far-right thuggery”.
Lincolnshire Police officers were called to offer support in South Yorkshire over the weekend, as confirmed by the force’s police and crime commissioner (PCC), Marc Jones.
He described the events as “criminal behaviour pure and simple” and called on the “full force of the law” for those responsible.
“As part of a healthy and functioning democracy it is really important that people have the right to peacefully protest.
“However, the appalling levels of violence and destruction being seen in some areas of the country are criminal behaviour pure and simple, not protest, and are totally unacceptable.
“Lincolnshire Police continue to support a neighbouring force following their call for mutual aid with Lincolnshire officers being deployed in South Yorkshire.
“They also stand ready to support and protect our community should any need arise.”
Dozens of protesters have already been arrested in light of injured police officers, damaged vehicles and burned down shopfronts, as masked looters ran riot in usually peaceful communities.
One of those arrested was 35-year-old Lloyd Killner, of Burton Road in Lincoln, who was charged with violent disorder by Merseyside Police following riots in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, August 3.
It is understood that more riots are set to happen, and a leaked message from social media site Telegram has revealed that Lincoln is on a list of target locations for action.
Lincolnshire Police has said it is “aware” of the post but has not been contacted by organisers yet, meaning the force has “no information at this stage that any gathering will take place”.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and our officers will be on patrol,” a spokesperson for the force said.
Other reports suggest that a further event could take place in Scunthorpe this week, also, though both remain unconfirmed at the time of reporting.
Mr Jones also added that he is in “very regular contact with senior officers within the force” over rumours of a riot in our county, and assured people that “plans are in place to protect and serve as they always do if called upon”.
