Riot police with dogs clash with protesters as violence emerges in Plymouth

Riot police with dogs had been separating members of one protest group and a Stand Up To Racism counter-protest across the street.

Projectiles are said to have been thrown as rioters broke the police lines.

Police say a "level of violence" has broken out during demonstrations as "arrests are ongoing".

Fireworks and large rocks are thought to have been launched at police vehicles which has caused significant property damage.

Officers have been praised for their "robust policing" in Plymouth this evening.

Devon and Cornwall Police Superintendent Russ Dawe said: "We continue to police ongoing events in Plymouth with a highly visible police presence.

"Specialist officers were deployed to the Guildhall in the city centre at around 3.30pm today. During the evening, we’ve seen levels of violence across the city, and several officers have sustained injuries.

"I would like to reassure the community that we are fully resourced at this time with a strong police presence. Violence will not be tolerated, hate will not be tolerated, and we continue to work with our partners to keep the people of Plymouth safe.

"Our approach to this operation was to enable peaceful protests, but people who are intent on committing public order and criminal offences have, and will be, dealt with robustly. This is the style of policing that we have delivered this evening and what our communities of Plymouth expect.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• SNP accused of 'undermining' police after calling for vigilantes to defend Glasgow if riots reach city
• Priti Patel takes swipe at Nigel Farage’s ‘irrelevant’ comments on ‘appalling’ riots
• Left-wing Hope Not Hate blasted after ‘pouring petrol on flames’ with riots ‘misinformation’

"Sadly, a number of individuals see fit to cause disorder. This type of behaviour is unacceptable within our communities and our officers are fully trained to manage and de-escalate disorder as quickly as possible.

"The majority of people have behaved within the law, and I would like to thank them for this. We will continue to take positive action against individuals who commit offences and have carried out arrests for a range of public order offences and assaults."

Earlier today, City Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, called on the groups to stay away, adding: "If you are thinking of coming to Plymouth to cause trouble or criminal activity then do not bother. You are not welcome.

"We are a united city, one that embraces and celebrates diversity and all communities.

"We must not allow ourselves to be divided by racists who are capitalising on an awful tragedy with lies and misinformation. Even today we have seen social media posts claiming that certain hotels in the city centre are housing refugees. That is simply not true.

"Throughout the day, council officers have been working hard with the police and other partners, to ensure the city centre is prepared.

"We’ve spoken to businesses, installed more CCTV and ensured properties are as secure as they can be. At the same time we have reached out to our local community leaders – to offer reassurance and support.

"Whilst we do not know what is going to happen this evening, we want everyone to be safe.

"Therefore, staying away from the city centre for the next few hours might be the most sensible thing to do. We are hopeful everything will be peaceful but should that not be the case, together with our partners, we have robust plans in place."