1,300 Met Police officers on standby to prevent disorder amid fears of far right protests planned for London

This follows a week of violent protests across the country after three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport.

The subsequent unrest has been partly fuelled by misinformation online, the far right and anti-immigration sentiment.

Over 110 people were arrested in central London last Wednesday, after demonstrators clashed with police officers.

Police are investigating reports of far right protests planned in four London boroughs tonight (August 7) following a list circulating on social media.

The list mentions Harrow in North West London, Hounslow in West London, Finchley in North London and Walthamstow in East London. 

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Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, said: "We have more than 1,300 public order officers ready to deploy across London today in addition to thousands already working in our communities.

“We will not tolerate any disorder and will make arrests.

"We are also using a range of specialist teams including mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers.

"We will be using retrospective facial recognition to help officers identify those behind criminal disorder. This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks.

"Our thanks goes to Londoners who condemn the hateful and divisive behaviour which is fuelling significant concern among our communities.

“Everyone can play a role by not sharing inflammatory online speculation and giving our officers space to undertake their important duties.

"We also ask parents to think carefully about where their children are today and in coming days. No-one wants to be caught up in potentially violent and criminal behaviour.

"It is our privilege to be part of a city pulling together at an uncertain time. You will see more officers on patrol. If you are concerned, or need help, speak to them. They are there to help."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the disorder had been "truly shocking".

In a statement on X he said: "I’m aware of reports that far-right groups are now planning to target locations in London and I want to be very clear to anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear in our city – if you break the law, action will be taken against you."

“I am in constant touch with the Met who are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to protect targeted buildings and places of worship, as well as provide reassurance for Londoners.

“I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities scared and fearful, so I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about.”

MPs and council leaders for the four boroughs have come out to warn locals of the potential danger the rumoured demonstrations pose.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy wrote on X: “Walthamstow I know there is some really worrying stuff being circulated on social media - please be assured getting to the bottom of it is my priority and please wait for further updates.

“Am asking for your help to defeat the fear being stoked together!”

A Harrow council spokesman said: “We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages being shared which claim that a protest is being held in Harrow on Wednesday.

“We are working with the police to verify whether a protest is taking place and if there is we will prioritise the safety of Harrow’s communities in our response.”

Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman took to X to slam the "disgusting" protests. She said: "A service helping immigrants in Finchley has been included in a list of targets of far-right groups planning actions this week. This is disgusting.”

Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat,said: "We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages which claim a protest is being planned in the borough this week.

“We are working with the police to verify that claim. If there is any credibility to it, we will work with the police and other partners to prioritise the safety of our communities.”