Cambridgeshire police urge caution after ‘misinformation’ about protests on social media
Cambridgeshire police have urged people to be “cautious” about what they read on social media about protests, following scenes of disorder around the country.
National reports suggested police were preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter protests on Wednesday, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.
There have been outbreaks of violence and disorder in towns and cities across the country since stabbings in Southport on 29 July claimed the lives of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport .
Incorrect rumours spreading on social media that the suspect in the stabbings was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a small boat appear to have fuelled the unrest.
Following the far-right protests, another 20 people were charged overnight, the Crown Prosecution Service said, bringing the total to more than 140, as police chiefs continued to warn rioters they could “expect a knock at the door”.
Cambridgeshire has yet to witness protest activity, but police have been offering advice and reassurance, and urging vigilance.
Cambridgeshire police’s Supt Robin Sissons said: “We understand these national incidents are of concern to our community and, as always, we will continue to work hard understanding those concerns and to reassure people. We have been engaging with community leaders over recent days and we have increased patrols in the county.
“We remain united in Cambridgeshire, and we are very proud of the rich diversity of our county.
“We encourage everyone to be cautious about what they read on social media.
“We have had no incidents or protest activity in Cambridgeshire, despite misinformation stating the contrary on social media. While this remains the case, I would urge people to continue business as usual, but remain vigilant and if you see or hear anything that concerns you then please contact the police.”
