UK riots live: Police arrest nearly 400 over violent disorder as travel warnings issued to tourists

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has paid tribute to the three children killed in Southport and hit out at “far-right agitators” causing violence across the country.

Mr Khan said: “My thoughts remain with all those affected by the abhorrent attack in Southport last week. The rioting and violence we have seen across the country in the last few days has been utterly shocking.

“There is simply no place in our society for the violence, racism and Islamophobia we have witnessed – disorder fuelled by a toxic combination of far-right agitators and online disinformation.”

Elon Musk has used his X platform – widely criticised over the past week for hosting disinformation about the Southport attack, which has partly inflamed the subsequent riots – to question Sir Keir Starmer’s response.

The prime minister tweeted a clip of a statement he gave this morning, where he reiterated his warning to rioters that they will face justice and offered his support to Muslim communities targeted by the far right.

“We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities,” his tweet read.

Musk responded: “Shouldn’t you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?”

Met police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has apologised for grabbing a reporter’s microphone and knocking it to the floor.

Sir Mark bizarrely grabbed a journalist’s microphone cover as he was asked about the UK police’s response to ongoing mob violence across the country.

Footage from Sky News captured Sir Mark leaving the cabinet office in Westminster on Monday after attending a Cobra meeting with the prime minister.

He said: “There’s been a story running all day about my exit from the meeting. This is a distraction from the critical events we are dealing with.

“In an effort to move a microphone out of my path I’m sorry that I knocked it to the floor. That was never my intention. We remain focused on the critical and urgent matters at hand.”

There have now been about 420 arrests, with No 10 holding an emergency Cobra meeting to coordinate the government’s response.

Ministers will look at the lessons learnt from the UK’s response to the 2011 riots, after which a new framework was drawn for dealing with civil unrest.

Read here about how the UK’s criminal justice system could respond to the far-right riots in the coming weeks:

Staffordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “Police forces across the country all have the same message for the individuals involved in these incidents: you are being pursued and we are working around the clock to find you.

“Setting up the portal is going to give us a streamlined way of gathering all of the evidence required to track down those responsible and speak to the public who will no doubt have vital information that can help us.

“If you were in Stoke-on-Trent or Tamworth this weekend, tell us what you know. Do you have any footage of people in the area or information that can identify them?

“I’d like to assure local communities in Staffordshire that our efforts to find those involved are substantial. Our inquiries are progressing and we’re ready to deploy proactively to keep our communities safe.”

Children blew bubbles as others placed flowers and heart-shaped balloons in front of The Atkinson arts centre in remembrance of the victims of the stabbing attack.

Families have gathered at a vigil in Southport a week on from the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Two men and a woman have been convicted for their roles in the violent disorder that took place in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, last Friday.

Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the disgraceful scenes last Friday evening.

Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, and Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington both admitted the offence when appearing before magistrates in South Tyneside today (Monday).

Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, admitted the same offence when appearing at Newcastle Crown Court. All three offenders have been remanded in custody until they are due to be sentenced.

Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all issued travel alerts to their nationals visiting the UK as far-right violence sweeps across the country.

Australia’s government advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution”, adding: “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence.”

Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs warned nationals that the violence had “assumed dangerous proportions” and there was “an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK”.

Malaysia’s High Commission said: “Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”

The Indonesian embassy in London meanwhile advised its citizens in the UK to avoid large crowds and increase their vigilance.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The far-right thuggery we have witnessed on our streets is completely unacceptable and contrary to the British notion of rule of law.

“The Prime Minister has been clear from the outset that those involved should expect to face the full force of our justice system.

“My message to anyone who chooses to take part in this violence is simple. The police, courts and prisons stand ready and you will face the consequences of these appalling acts.”

Bars, restaurants and businesses in Plymouth have closed early ahead of two planned protests in the city on Monday evening.

Campaign group Stand Up To Racism is set to demonstrate at Guildhall Square from 6pm, with a “stop the boats” protest organised for 7pm.