Dawn raids across the country as dozens more convicted

149 charges have been brought, with that figure expected to continue to rise significantly as investigations progress.

Dozens of offenders have already been sentenced in court as cases have been fast-tracked through the criminal justice system, with many suspects remanded upon charge to face court hearings.

And work across all police forces continues at pace today, as:

• Dawn raids took place in numerous force areas this morning, increasing the number of people expected to face justice for taking part in the disorder.
• Thousands of public order officers were deployed across the country last night to protect communities from over 160 planned demonstrations. Around 36 gatherings took place with minimal disorder and only a handful of arrests.
• A further potential 20 gatherings and three counter-gatherings are planned for today.
• 5000 public order trained officers continue to be deployed to respond to any unrest. This contingent will stay in place over the coming days as forces continue to gather intelligence on potential demonstrations at a local and national level.
• An estimated 104 officers have been injured so far, with many hospitalised due to the extent of their injuries. Additional funding has been made available to Oscar Kilo, the national police wellbeing service, to support forces in giving those injured, physically and psychologically, the best chance of a swift recovery having been subject to such ferocious violence.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, said:

“Police action continues at full speed today as the number of arrests and charges in relation to the disorder reaches the hundreds.

“Officers and police staff are working flat out to progress investigations, acting on the mountain of intelligence and evidence gathered over the last week to secure convictions.

“Thousands of specially trained officers were deployed throughout England and Wales in response to planned demonstrations last night, and those officers will remain in place over the coming days. We are continually gathering and reviewing intelligence to ensure that officers are in the right place to protect communities.

“I would again like to thank the officers, staff and volunteers working around the clock to keep people safe, showing unwavering professionalism and bravery.

“We must not underestimate the physical and mental impact on officers facing the violent scenes from the past week. The criminal justice system is recognising the gravity of these offences to put those responsible behind bars.

“This is a worrying time for communities and hugely challenging for everyone involved. There has been incredible unity displayed across the country and this is how we tackle division, by standing together. Policing as a whole will continue to do its utmost to keep you safe.”

Police Federation England and Wales Acting National Chair Tiffany Lynch said:

“Our colleagues across the country have exhibited they are most professional in the world, and they will continue to uphold the law despite all the challenges. I sincerely hope that not a single officer in the country is now targeted, and the offenders continue to face full force of the law.”

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said:

“By the hour, further charges are being authorised, significant sentences of imprisonment are being passed, and justice continues to be served after an extremely difficult period for the country.

“Our prosecutors are continuing to work swiftly and effectively in collaboration with the Police. I am immensely proud of the way that the criminal justice system has responded so quickly and well, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that justice is done and seen to be done.”