The publication of immigration law firms as potential targets for disorder could be considered a terrorism offence, and one case of alleged terrorism is “actively under consideration”, the Director of Public Prosecutions has said.
Stephen Parkinson told the PA news agency no terrorism charges had yet been brought in connection with violence across the country as police are steeled for as many as 100 events of disorder on Wednesday.
Another 20 people were charged overnight, the Crown Prosecution Service said, bringing the total to more than 140, as police chiefs continued to warn rioters they could “expect a knock at the door”.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said it expected that number to rise “significantly” in the coming days, as officers looked to make further arrests.
Police are understood to be preparing to respond to more than 100 planned protests and potentially around 30 more counter-protests on Wednesday, with gatherings anticipated in 41 of the 43 police force areas in England and Wales.
A police source said: “Today is probably going to be the busiest day of the week, into the evening.
“Tonight, we think it’s looking like a credible picture. We are preparing for activity across 41 forces.”
Dozens of police officers in Aldershot rushed in to separate opposing groups after tempers flared on Wednesday evening.
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