Lancashire Police have "robust policing response" in place to tackle violence

The force's Assistant Chief Constable has issued a statement

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 7th Aug 2024

Lancashire Police say they have a "robust policing response" in place to tackle any violent disorder in the county.

It comes amid ongoing riots across the country in the wake of a stabbing in Southport last Monday, in which three young girls died.

In a statement, released by the Assistant Chief Constable, they say the past few weeks have left some people in our communities "feeling concerned and vulnerable", and they are working in partnership with other public services to keep people safe.

Phil Davies continued, "We want to let you know, ahead of this week, what we are doing and be very clear to those in our communities, we will support you and as always, ensure the safety of the public.

"We continue to have a robust policing response in place to tackle possible disorder.

"We are monitoring information at a local and national level around possible disruption, enabling us to have the right level of resources on duty to respond to any incidents safely and robustly in Lancashire, where required to do so. Additional officers have been identified and are on standby if required."

Around 100 people have already been charged in connection with the recent disturbances, and charges continued to be brought on Tuesday night with defendants expected in court on Wednesday.

Overnight, two 38-year-old men were charged with violent disorder in connection with unrest in Southport and Liverpool.

Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer praised the "robust and swift response" of the criminal justice system, adding that he expected the sentencing of some of those involved to take place by the end of the week.

Speaking to reporters after chairing his second Cobra meeting in two days, the Prime Minister said: "That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week.

"Nobody, but nobody, should be involved themselves in this disorder."

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