British police are bracing for fresh anti-Muslim riots on August 7 after far-right groups vowed to target asylum-seeker centers across the country, prompting anti-fascist protesters to warn of counter-protests.
Britain is grappling with a wave of violence that erupted last week after three little girls were killed in a knife attack in northwest Britain, prompting a wave of online misinformation about the identity of the alleged attacker. Online, the alleged attacker was portrayed as a Muslim immigrant.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned protesters they will face long sentences as he tries to stem the worst wave of violence Britain has seen in 13 years.
"Our first task is to make sure our communities are safe," he said during a televised statement.
"They will be safe. We will do everything to make sure the police have the right response," he added.
In towns and cities, groups of hundreds of protesters have clashed with police and smashed windows of hotels housing asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East, chanting "go away" and "stop the boats" - a reference to migrants arriving in Britain by boat. small.
They have also stoned mosques, terrorizing local communities, including ethnic minorities.
Anti-fascist and anti-racism groups have warned they will organize counter-protests across the country.
The government has mobilized 6,000 police officers, specialized in riot management, to deal with the outbreak of war.
Prime Minister Stramer has vowed that all those who are causing riots, looting shops and burning cars will face justice.
He said that more than 400 people have been arrested, 100 protesters have been indicted and court proceedings against them will begin very soon.