Emergency service leaders call for an end to violence as frontline continues to deal with far right clashes

After the murder of three young girls in Southport last week, emergency services leaders have shared the impact that days of riots have had on frontline responders as they deal with disorder across the country and call for an end to far right violence.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Gavin Stephens, said that every community across the country will have been affected in some way by the violent disorder seen in the past few days. 

“I want to reassure the public that a united and robust policing response is in place across the country and we are doing all we can to tackle this disorder and keep you safe.  

“All forces have been requested not only to increase the number of specialist resources in their local area, but to contribute to regional reserves, coordinated nationally. “

As of 5 August, 378 arrests have been made and he said the total was likely to rise each day as forces continue to identify those involved and continue to apprehend those responsible. He sought to reassure that public that the police is taking violence offence seriously.

“We have been clear that this is not protest activity or people exercising their democratic right. It is unnecessary violence and we’ve seen important community hubs like a Citizen’s Advice Bureau and a library completely destroyed. 

“Policing is not anti-protest, we are anti-crime and we are here to protect the public and keep the peace no matter your beliefs.”

He thanked officers and staff for their dignity, bravery and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and assaults, adding that some officers had been hospitalised after putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and he wished them a full recovery.

“Officers do not go to work to be assaulted or attacked and it is completely unacceptable.”  

The violent disorder is affecting all emergency services and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives said it placed a huge strain on staff who are putting themselves at great personal risk working on the frontline to protect people and save lives.

“AACE has also learned of many ambulance staff who have relayed how frightening the current situation is for them personally. To them, we underline our commitment to the celebration of diversity in the ambulance sector workforce, as we continue to build anti-racist organisations and communities.

“We are your firm allies against discrimination, hate and violence which has no place in our society.”

Helen Vine, Assistant Director, AACE.

Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Mark Hardingham, called for an immediate end to the violence and disorder as he recognised the continued work of the fire and rescue service and its partners to protect local communities.

“We are appalled at the horrific scenes of violence that we have witnessed over the past few days. We have significant concerns about the escalation in arson which presents a considerable risk to the lives of those inside the buildings targeted, the responding firefighters and other emergency services workers. 

“There is absolutely no just cause for this violence and fire and rescue services serving the cities and towns affected stand with the other emergency services who have been attacked as they work to keep communities safe.”

Mark Hardingham, Chair, National Fire Chiefs Council.

The Fire Brigades Union condemned the riots and violence that arose after the stabbings in Southport, applauding the bravery of the firefighters who attended the incident and have since dealt with the consequences of the disorder that has taken place across many different cities.

“Firefighters are on the front line. We are still assessing the experience of FBU members on the ground, but there is evidence to suggest that firefighters have faced obstruction, and that fire appliances have been deliberately damaged. Resources being deployed to fires resulting from rioting could impact response times to other incidents.”

Matt Wrack, General Secretary, FBU.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack went on to say that the union has written to local representatives to ask them to reach out to local mosques, migrant groups and civil society organisations to offer support and build links. “The trade union movement has a proud history of mobilising against the far right, and it must continue to do so.”