LONDON, Aug 13 – Public order in the United Kingdom (UK) has stabilized after days of violent far-right protests, the authorities said on Sunday. However, they warned that the impact of the unrest would be felt for months and even years.
“The situation in England, Scotland and Wales has somewhat stabilized over the last few days,” said BJ Harrington, head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) for public order.
However, Harrington warned that Northern Ireland is still facing “significant challenges.” Ten police officers were injured by petrol bombs during a violent disorder in Northern Ireland on Saturday afternoon.
Far-right protests have rocked the country since the end of July, sparked by a knife attack in Southport, northwest England, which left three children dead. The rioting has led to injuries among police officers, looting of stores and attacks on hotels housing asylum-seekers.
Authorities believe that a turning point appeared on Wednesday thanks to a heavy police presence in major cities and towns, and swift court actions against rioters.
The UK police had braced for a possible return of riots this weekend, given the start of a new football season and an uptick in temperature. But it turned out to be relatively peaceful except for a few isolated small-scale far-right protests.
