Police promise to respond robustly to disruption ahead of planned targeted protests

A crowd at the Flag Market in Preston on Saturday

Police will respond ‘safely and robustly’ to any possible disruption in Preston, ahead of planned targeted protests this week.

Blog Preston understands potential further protest in Preston is one of 39 co-ordinated far-right protests understood to take place across England all of which claim to target legal professional services connected with immigration and asylum.

Language shared in the promotion of said events is highly hateful and Blog Preston will not be repeating the location, time or date of those events.

A spokesperson for Lancashire police said: “We are monitoring information at a local and national level around possible disruption, enabling us to have the right level of resources on duty to respond to any incidents safely and robustly in Lancashire, where required to do so.

“We continue to work with communities and partners to ensure we are ready to respond to any concerns or incidents and have been grateful for the public’s support.

“If there are outbreaks of disorder, we will robustly investigate any offences committed to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“If anyone has any information regarding pre-planned disorder or criminality, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Lawyers have urged the Prime Minister and senior ministers to address concerns about the safety of immigration advice centres and legal firms offering immigration advice – after a list circulated online listed more than 30 places with planned demonstrations on Wednesday evening including in Preston.

It comes after a small-scale protest was held at Preston Flag Market at the weekend. One arrest was made in Preston – of 22 across the county – although Lancashire Constabulary expects to make further arrests in the coming days.

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