Immigration lawyers have begun boarding up their office windows ahead of riots that are expected in at least 30 locations across the UK today.
Police officers said intelligence sources had identified dozens of hotspots where trouble could flare, with threats against centres offering legal advice to migrants being monitored.
A list of legal firms and advice agencies have been shared online among far-Right groups as possible targets, with the message telling people to “mask up” if they attend.
The windows at one legal office in Southend-on-Sea have been boarded up ahead of a planned far-Right demonstration. Counter-protests are also being planned with members of Southend Against Fascism saying they will challenge far-Right groups.
UK riots live updates: Immigration lawyers board up windows ahead of '30 riots' tonight https://t.co/rcsuXImgZh
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Some shops in the area are also said to be closing early ahead of the protests. More than 6,000 specialist riot police are on standby to deal with any outbreaks of violence.
More than 400 people have already been arrested in connection with the violence and disorder sweeping Britain, which erupted after the killings of three young girls in Southport on July 29.
Many more arrests are expected in the coming days. Speaking from Downing Street on Tuesday night, Sir Keir Starmer said he was expecting “substantive sentencing” for those taking part in the unrest “before the end of this week”.
UK: Immigration lawyers board up windows ahead of ‘30 riots’ tonight