Met arrests 10 more people after last week's violent disorder in Whitehall

Met officers have made 10 more arrests as the policing response to violence across the country continues.

The arrests, which took place at addresses across London yesterday evening and first thing this morning, all relate to violent disorder in Whitehall on Wednesday, 31 July.

In the early hours of this morning, Thursday, 8 August, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley joined officers in south London as they carried out a number of these arrests.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Our work to protect London and bring those responsible for recent disorder to justice continues.

“Last night more than one thousand officers were deployed across the capital ready to respond to any scenes of disorder. Their efforts and the strength of unity demonstrated by London's communities resulted in a largely peaceful evening.

“Over the last week dozens of officers have continued to investigate the violent disorder which broke out in Whitehall last Wednesday. They scoured thousands of hours of footage from body worn video, CCTV, and social media to identify those responsible for fuelling and committing the thuggish and violent behaviour we saw.

“Their efforts have resulted in a series of crucial arrests last night and in the early hours of this morning.

“What I want to make really clear is those we’ve arrested aren’t protestors, patriots or decent citizens. They’re thugs and criminals. Around 70% have previous convictions for weapon possession, violence, drugs and other serious offences. Some have football banning orders. These are violent people taking to the streets under the guise of protest to engage in disorder.

“We’ve been really clear we won’t tolerate hate or intimidation. Ordinary Londoners have a right to live their lives without being in fear. Our message is clear - anyone thinking of causing disorder and disruption will be found and will be brought to justice.

”I expect many if not all of those arrested over the past 24 hours will be charged, will go to court and will spend years in prison.”

More than 1,300 public order officers were on duty across London last night ready to deploy in response to any disorder. This was in addition to thousands of officers already on duty across the capital.

Throughout the week, officers have been visiting faith and community venues in their local areas to listen to the concerns of residents, to provide reassurance and to reaffirm our commitment to keep Londoners safe.

Earlier on Wednesday, hundreds of officers left London to provide important support to forces in the north of England. Their contribution is part of the national effort to deploy significant numbers of public order officers, positioned strategically in key locations, to allow for the most effective response to any further disorder, no matter where it occurs.

It is just one part of a whole-system response that has seen policing work closely with Government, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to make clear that the actions of those who crossed the line into thuggery and violence in recent days will be swiftly met with the full force of the law.

The investigation into last Wednesday’s disorder continues and we will release further proactive updates in due course.