Police considering terrorism case in far right riots investigations

It comes as police were preparing for further disorder in Sheffield, Rotherham, Hull and Middlesbrough last night.

Many businesses across the region closed early, fearful of the damage seen in recent days.

A list of immigration centres was published on a far right Telegram channel as targets, something which Mr Parkinson said could constitute terrorism charges.

He explained: “The fact that it’s organised groups that might be motivated by ideological reasons, the fact that they’re promoting potentially very serious offences – that’s the sort of instance where we might want to consider terrorism charges.

“Most criminal activity that’s going on is perfectly adequately covered by the normal criminal law – including low level criminality.”

The government said that 4,000 extra officers were in action over the weekend and a further 2,000 more this week, as forces stepped up intelligence sharing to arrest and charge those involved.

Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin warned: “It would be my advice to those intent on causing further disorder, to think again.

“However, those who choose not to heed this warning can expect to feel the full force of the law as we will do everything within our power to bring these offenders to justice.”

More than 140 people have now been charged for their roles in the riots as police chiefs continued to warn rioters they could “expect a knock at the door”.

Derek Drummond, 58, was jailed for three years for his role in the first riot in Southport, Merseyside.

Bodyworn footage from Pc Thomas Ball showed the defendant approach the riot cordon line saying “sh**houses, sh**houses”.

He was told to go back and he then punched Pc Ball in the face.

Drummond, of Pool Street, Southport, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker on 30 July.

Declan Geiran, 29, was sentenced to more than two years in prison for setting fire to a police van in Liverpool city centre days later on 3 August.

While Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford, cried as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Manchester on Saturday.

Laura Peers, prosecuting, said a “large group of far-right protesters” were seen engaging in an “altercation with one black male”, which was filmed by members of the group and uploaded on social media.

Ms Peers said Ryan had “played an active role in the disorder”, adding: “He was seen on the footage aiming a punch towards the male involved.”

James Murray, Exchequer Secretary, said he thought that the faster rioters can get put behind bars, the swifter the summer of discontent will be over.

“We want to make sure it ends as swiftly as possible and that's why we are making people know and understand that the justice system is working around the clock to serve justice on people who have been involved,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

“What's important for me to emphasise is that anyone involved in these incidents of violent disorder or involved in instigating them, whether that's in person or online, will face the full force of the law.”