Avon and Somerset police chief vows to take 'strongest possible action' against rioters
Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly vowed to "maintain order and keep people safe"
A police chief in Avon and Somerset has vowed to take the "strongest possible action" against those taking part in riots.
Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said he was aware of online posts calling people to gather and vowed to "maintain order and keep people safe".
In a statement issued by Avon and Somerset Police, Mr Reilly said: "The incidents of disorder we've seen take place across the country recently, including in Bristol on Saturday, are completely unacceptable.
"These are not legitimate protests and we will not tolerate any behaviour which attempts to divide our communities.
"We're aware of posts circulating online and I want to reassure you we'll have significant resources in place to maintain order and keep people safe."
The police chief also said he was aware of false posts online claiming the constabulary had issued a warning about a planned march along one of the major routes in Bristol.
He said: "This is not true. We've not issued any warning and have no information to suggest any march will actually take place.
"We'd never want to stifle legitimate protest, it's a fundamental democratic right. However, I urge people to let the police deal with those who want to cause unrest. I promise you we will take the strongest possible action against those who take part in criminality.
"We won't accept acts of violence, damage to property or offences which are motivated by hate. Indeed, multiple people were arrested following the events in Bristol at the weekend and several of those have already been charged and appeared in court.
"We're aware many people remain concerned about the potential for disorder in the days and weeks to come.
"I want to reassure you we've hundreds of specialist officers and resources available, and they will do everything they can to ensure our communities are not disrupted and can go about their lives as normal, without fear.
"We're working closely with colleagues in other emergency services and our local authorities - together reaching out to community and business leaders.
"We're committed to keeping people informed about what we know about future disruption and on any plans we subsequently put in place. We're extremely proud to serve the diverse communities of Avon and Somerset, and we continue to be thankful for the public's support during these troubling and unusual times.
"Those who seek to cause unrest will not win."
'We are able to cope"
The Prime Minister promised communities on Tuesday they will be kept safe as the country braces for an eighth night of violence.
Sir Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday evening, the second in two days, to co-ordinate the response to ongoing unrest on Britain's streets.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said: "We are doing everything we can to ensure that where a police response is needed, it's in place.
"Obviously it's a difficult situation with disorder going on in a number of different places at the same time, but that is precisely why I held my second Cobra meeting today to co-ordinate the response and to get the assurance that I want and need that we do have adequate police in place, that we are able to cope with this disorder."