Disorder arrests will continue for months

• Thousands of officers stood up into the weekend as national mobilisation continues to keep communities safe 
• Detectives and prosecutors working round the clock to build and charge cases against rioters and those spreading online hate 
• Police focused on restoring order to help communities recover 
• 741 arrests made and 302 charges brought

Police chiefs have vowed continued action against offenders as investigations into the recent disorder and online organisers goes into overdrive. 

In the past week around 741 arrests have been made and around 302 people charged in connection with violent disorder – with hundreds more suspects identified.  

It follows widespread disorder following the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport. 

 Forces have confirmed they are prepared and ready, with 6,000 public order trained officers to remain on duty in the coming days.  

Supported by detectives, community officers, staff and volunteers, policing is focused on protecting communities, so they can recover and reunite. 

So far, forces have:  

• Made a total of 741 arrests for offences ranging from violent disorder to theft and antisocial behaviour.  

• Identified hundreds more suspects who will be arrested in the coming days and weeks thanks to technology like facial recognition.   

• Scoured thousands of hours of CCTV, drone footage, BWV and online content as investigations continue at pace.  

• Ensured more custody cells and prison places are available so those responsible for serious disorder can be dealt with robustly.  

The swift results are the combination of relentless detective work and continued partnership with criminal justice partners. 

Despite a calmer two nights in towns and cities across the country, policing leads have reassured communities they are ready and prepared, so that people can enjoy the many planned events this summer weekend. 

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

“We are working hard to bring this disorder to an end, but arrests are just getting started – and we have already made hundreds. We won’t stop until communities get the justice they deserve after suffering such violence and the spreading of online hate. 

“While the previous two nights have been a welcome break from the appalling scenes of the last week, and may have reached a turning point, we are by no means complacent.  

“Thousands of specially trained officers remain on duty, ready to tackle any unrest and disorder, and we continue to monitor, gather and review intelligence to make sure our officers are where they need to be to keep their communities safe. 

“We are doing everything we can to protect people so that they can enjoy a summer weekend, with many planned sporting fixtures and community celebrations. 

“Our message to those involved in violence is that we continue to comb through thousands of images, live streams and videos as well as body worn footage to find you. 

“We are grateful to those who are calling us to identify those in the images circulated by forces.  We are also grateful for the many messages of support to the officers, staff and volunteers that have faced hatred, racial abuse and violence whilst doing their job. 

“Once again, I like to extend a message of thanks to our communities, who deserve better than the violent scenes of the last week.  

“To our officers, staff and volunteers thank you for your continued professionalism and resilience during this challenging time.”  

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“I met with police chiefs from across the country again this morning to thank them and their officers for their strong, co-ordinated response to this criminal violence as we run up to the weekend - getting thousands more police onto the streets and pursuing fast arrests and prosecutions. 

"I reiterated that the police and the wider criminal justice system have the Government's full support in making sure those who have committed crimes are brought rapidly to justice and in their work to keep our streets and communities safe. We said criminals would pay the price and we meant it."

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said:

“Ahead of the weekend, more than 100 extra CPS prosecutors stand ready to respond rapidly to emerging requirements for charging decisions and advice.  

“We understand the deterrence impact of a swift and robust response from law enforcement.  Our aim is to make immediate charging decisions where we can, to enable courts to sentence within days.  

“My advice to anyone considering taking part in violent disorder – don’t.  You will almost certainly be caught, convicted, and likely imprisoned.”