Met prepared to protect communities

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: "We have more than 1,300 public order officers ready to deploy across London today in addition to thousands already working in our communities.

“We will not tolerate any disorder and will make arrests.

"We are also using a range of specialist teams including mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers.

"We will be using retrospective facial recognition to help officers identify those behind criminal disorder. This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks.

"Our thanks goes to Londoners who condemn the hateful and divisive behaviour which is fuelling significant concern among our communities.

“Everyone can play a role by not sharing inflammatory online speculation and giving our officers space to undertake their important duties.

"We also ask parents to think carefully about where their children are today and in coming days. No-one wants to be caught up in potentially violent and criminal behaviour.

"It is our privilege to be part of a city pulling together at an uncertain time. You will see more officers on patrol. If you are concerned, or need help, speak to them. They are there to help."

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SECTION 60

We have authorised the use of Section 60 powers between 14:00hrs on Wednesday, 7 August and 02:00hrs on Thursday, 8 August across parts of Waltham Forest, Hillingdon and Harrow as we prepare to deal with any potential disorder.

The wards covered by the Section 60 in Waltham Forest are Higham Hill, St James, High Street, William Morris, Hoe Street, Markhouse, Wood Street, Chapel End, Upper Walthamstow, Forest, Leytonstone, Lea Bridge, Leyton, Grove Green, Cathall, and Cann Hall.

The wards covered by the Section 60 across Harrow and Hillingdon are Pinner, Pinner South, Rayners Lane, Roxbourne, Roxeth, Hatch End, Headstone, North Harrow, West Harrow, Harrow on the Hill, Marlborough, Wealdstone North, Wealdstone South, Harrow Weald, Northwood Hills, Eastcote, and South Ruislip.

+ Green Hill ward was added to the Section 60 list at 18:10hrs.

+ We have authorised a further Section 60 in Croydon between 17.38hrs on Wednesday, 7 August and 02:00hrs on Thursday, 8 August, as well as another Section 60 in Hounslow between 18:15hrs on Wednesday, 7 August and 2:00hrs on Thursday, 8 August.

+ At 19.21hrs on Wednesday, 7 August we authorised a further Section 60 in parts of Barnet up until 02:00hrs on Thursday, 8 August. This covers areas of Finchley and Golders Green.