Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber says his force is ‘fully prepared to respond’ to violent disorder in the wake of Southport knife attack
The Thames Valley police and crime commissioner (PCC) says his force is “fully prepared to respond to any disorder which may arise” in response to recent incidents of violent and criminal disorder in the wake of the knife attack in Southport which resulted in the death of three children.
The PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has also called for calm following the upsurge in violent protests up and down the country, but says “the Government must acknowledge what is causing this civil unrest in order to prevent it”.
TVP PCC Matthew Barber said: “Like everyone across the country, I was deeply shocked and appalled by the devastating attack which occurred in Southport on Monday.
“Three young girls, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King lost their lives in an act of unspeakable violence.
“Merseyside Police, the North West Ambulance Service and many incredibly brave members of the public deserve our praise and admiration for their response to these horrific killings.
“Since Monday there has been shock, sadness and understandable anger that again, more young lives have been lost due to knife crime.
“We all have a role to play to reduce knife crime and in Thames Valley I will ensure it remains a priority.
“Alongside those concerns that we all share, some have chosen to use this tragedy to fuel their own political agenda.
“Sadly we have seen outbreaks of senseless and inexcusable violence, often aimed at the police.
“Such criminality must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“Whilst we have not seen any incidents occur in the Thames Valley to date, Thames Valley Police are fully prepared to respond to any disorder which may arise.
“Thames Valley Police have a strong record of supporting peaceful protest, but I will expect the force to deal swiftly with acts of violence or criminality on our streets, whoever is responsible.
“I welcome any improvements in intelligence sharing between police forces to ensure that officers can respond swiftly and appropriately to incidents of disorder.
“Ultimately we all want to live in a safer, less violent community.
“Legitimate protest is part of a healthy and robust democracy, but violence aimed at the police or public can never be tolerated.
“I want Thames Valley Police officers, who will bravely confront such threats, to be able to focus on tackling criminals and reducing knife crime.
“Ironically those who seek to exploit this loss of life for their own ends, will be diverting police resources away from keeping all of our communities safe.”
Donna Jones, who chairs the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and is PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has called for calm following the upsurge in violent protests up and down the country.
In a statement addressing the issue today (Saturday), she said: “The rioting and civil unrest across the country following the murder of three children in Southport on Tuesday, has escalated to a worrying level.
“Police officers have been injured, buildings have been targeted because of those living in them or worshiping at them and police cars and vans set on fire.
“Millions of pounds of damage has been done and more than 100 people have been arrested, with many more expected.
“Police stations are burning, police officers’ annual leave has been cancelled and riot police are dusting off their shields from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
“The behaviour of some of those protesting has been extremely violent, highly distressing and absolutely criminal.
“This weekend a number of protests are planned across the country and across political and ideological spectrums.
“The announcement of the Prime Minister’s new Violent Crime Units have lead to an accusation of two tier policing, which has enflamed protesters who state they are battling to protect Britain’s sovereignty, identity and stop illegal immigration.
“Burning towns and cities and attacking the police is not the answer, so how do we stop it?
“I’ve spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder, is to acknowledge what is causing it.
“Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas; the desire to protect Britain’s sovereignty; the need to uphold British values and in order to do this, stop illegal immigration.
“The growth of feeling across the country has mirrored (to a lesser extent) the rebellion to illegal immigration that has played out across France over the last 12 months.
“The Government must acknowledge what is causing this civil unrest in order to prevent it.
“Arresting people, or creating violent disorder units, is treating the symptom and not the cause.
“The questions these people want answering; what is the Government’s solution to mass uncontrolled immigration?
“How are the new Labour Government going to uphold and build on British values?
“This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Kier Starmer’s Government, and it’s bitten quickly.
“As a national police leader, and a police and crime commissioner, someone who has spent almost two decades representing the public, this is the clear message I will put to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary this week.
“We all need to work together to stop this mindless criminal behaviour committed by a small number of people, whilst understanding the views of those attending rallies who feel strongly but don’t cause disorder.”
