UK riots live: More thugs sentenced on camera as PM warns online trolls

Social media executives and users should be “mindful of the first priority, which is to ensure that our communities are safe and secure”, according to the Prime Minister.

Questioned about whether Elon Musk should be “mindful” of who he lets onto X, formerly Twitter, which he owns, Sir Keir Starmer replied: “I think people should be mindful of the first priority, which is to ensure that our communities are safe and secure.

“The vast majority of the public are absolutely repulsed by what they’ve seen in this disorder. They don’t want it and they expect all of us, myself included, to do everything we possibly can to ensure that the disorder stops. And that’s why the message those that are thinking about getting involved in disorder of any sort is very clear – if you involve yourself in disorder, then the full force of the law will be applied.

“And the fact that we’ve seen this week people not just in court but being sentenced to significant terms of custody for their behaviour just a few days ago I think is a very important message to anyone who’s thinking of getting involved in the coming days.”

Sir Keir added: “I do agree that we’re going to have to look more broadly at social media after this disorder but the focus at the moment has to be on dealing with the disorder and making sure that our communities are safe and secure.”

More rioters are being sentenced in Leeds today (9 August), following days of unrest across the UK, off the back of a knife attack on three young girls in Southport.

There have been over 400 arrests since the violence broke out, with police officers attacked, businesses destroyed, and emergency vehicles set on fire.

Eight people have so far been sentenced, with offences ranging from violent disorder to possession of a weapon and assaulting emergency workers.

Two men have been jailed for an attack on “pro-EDL” protesters after rival demonstrations in Leeds city centre on Saturday.

Leeds Crown Court was shown CCTV footage of a group of Asian men kicking and punching a smaller group of four white men, one of which was draped in a Union flag and wearing a Union flag mask.

Sameer Ali, 21, of West Park Drive, Leeds, and Adnan Ghafoor, 31, of Spen Bank, Leeds, both admitted affray earlier this week.

On Friday, Ali was jailed for 20 months and Ghafoor was jailed for 18 months, with Ghafoor being ordered to serve an additional 12 months for breaching of an unrelated suspended sentence.

Graham O’Sullivan, representing Ali, said his client was provoked by “Islamophobic threats and abuse” from the group of white men, including comments like “f*** Allah” and the use of racial slurs.

Jailing the pair, the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said: “This was a group attack involving in excess of 10 men in circumstances of a heightened state of public concern and anxiety to which each of you have contributed.”

Two offenders linked to a counter-protest in Leeds are currently being sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on camera.

Judge Guy Kearl KC is now sentencing Adnan Ghafoor, 31, and Sameer Ali, 21, who were convicted of affray offences earlier this week.

The men got into a street fight with the far-right on August 3 in Leeds.

“The law applies to everyone, no matter what colour, race, religion or political persuasion, there is no distinction,” Judge Kearl said.

He added: “the violence used by you and others was unlawful”.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC Lead for Football Policing, said: “The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) have been working closely with all forces, the Premier League, the EFL and other national policing bodies to support the start of the new football season. Currently there is no suggestion of any fixtures being postponed this weekend.

“Should there be any issues, be they purely football related or linked to the violent incidents of earlier in the week, then forces are well prepared with significantly more public order officers available than normal.

“As we have seen, whatever the alleged motivation, any acts of criminality will be dealt with swiftly and robustly with offenders facing the full weight of the courts, which if football related will include banning orders. It is important we allow the overwhelming majority of fans to enjoy the start of the new season in safety.”

London’s Violence Reduction Unit Multi Faith Network has condemned the spreading of misinformation online amplifying far-right violence.

The network, which bring together faith leaders and organisations, said: “The horrific scenes of rioting and violence that have taken place across sections of the country over this past week have been shocking, with the far-right amplifying community tensions, mainly via spreading misinformation online.

“The Multi Faith Network, set up by London’s Violence Reduction Unit, unanimously agrees that there is simply no place in our society for the violence, racism, and Islamophobia we have witnessed.

“As a Multi Faith Network, focused on using faith as a foundation for reducing violence across London, we stand united in emphasising a message of hope and peace.

“In London, we are united against hatred, we are proud of London’s diversly rich communities, filled with a variety of faiths living side by side. Unity and acceptance of difference is woven deeply into the fabric of our great city.

“We are ready and willing to offer support and care to any, from any community or background, who have been affected or feel scared by what is happening. The Multi Faith Network will continue to work with communities across London, bringing all faiths together, ensuring there is zero tolerance for hatred and racism.

“We are committed to working together to build a better and stronger city where everyone can be safe and supported.”

The Prime Minister reiterated his message that the police should maintain “high alert” going into the weekend.

Speaking to broadcasters on a visit to Scotland Yard, he said: “My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert.

“I’m absolutely convinced that having the police officers in place these last few days, and the swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts have had a real impact.

“But we have to stay on high alert going into this weekend because we absolutely have to make sure that our communities are safe and secure and feel safe and secure.”

A man has been charged with a false communications offence in relation to an allegation of information given during a livestream on TikTok in Derby on Wednesday evening, Derbyshire Police said.

Dimitri Stoica, 25, of Langley Street, Derby, will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on Friday.

Gary Thompson, 64, and Paul Chell, 50 are also set to appear at the same court following widespread disorder across the country over the past 10 days.

Chell is charged with using threatening, insulting or abusive words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and Thompson is accused of two assault offences, assault of an emergency worker and three racially aggravated public order offences, the force said.

Sir Keir Starmer said potential unrest caused by the start of the football season is “added into the mix” of the police and Government’s plans for handling future disorder.

Asked if the football season would make it easier or harder to manage rioting, the Prime Minister told reporters at Scotland Yard: “I think there were a lot of things in the mix this weekend but of course, whatever the challenge, we have to rise to it.

“That’s why I’ve had Cobra meetings, that’s why I’ve been talking to the police today about their plans for the weekend.

“Yes, football is added into the mix, there are other things in the mix, but our focus has to be absolutely solely on the safety and security of our communities, and that’s exactly where it is.”