Sick hit list emerges as UK explodes

Thousands of police officers from around the country have been sent to possible riot hotspots on Wednesday evening, UK time.

The clashes began when it was falsely reported that an immigrant had allegedly killed three girls.

It comes as four men involved in the riots last week were jailed as the justice system seeks to quickly crack down on offenders. More than 400 arrests have taken place and many more are expected.

Sick hit list

On Wednesday, UK time, 41 out of 43 police forces in England and Wales said they were expecting protests.

Police have said the risk of further gatherings is “credible”.

“Wednesday is going to be a busy day. We are still assessing what is credible and what is not,” a Police source told The Sun.

An ominous hit list of at least 39 places has been circulated on far right social media channels.“They won’t stop coming until you tell them,” states the posts telling thugs to gather at a number of locations at 8pm, local time, (5am AEST).

“Mask up,” it adds.

While some gatherings could be smaller and peaceful, police have warned others could turn ugly. Anti-racism protesters are also due to congregate in some areas leading to possible violent clashes between the opposing groups.

Police from the south east of England and London, where the violence has been less, are being deployed to the north of England.

In a change of tactics, extra officers will now be held in “staging posts” around the country read to “intervene early and … intervene hard,” Sir Andy Marsh, the chief executive of the College of Policing which represents police officers, said.

“Every police force will have significant numbers out on their streets tonight making sure that people can go about their lives as safely and as normally as possible.

Grocery stores run by British Asians, information offices for asylum seekers, legal offices and hotels that are thought to be housing immigrants have all been targeted or could be threatened.

The unrest occurred following the stabbing deaths of three young girls at a dance class in Southport, in England’s north west, on July 30.

False information from far right groups spread online after the attack claiming the alleged murderer was an immigrant who was Muslim, who had recently arrived from the US.

In reality it was a teenager born in the UK who is not thought to be Muslim.

Despite this, violence has continued for days across the UK.

Rioters jailed

Several men have already been jailed who took part in riots in Southport and nearby Liverpool and Greater Manchester.

James Nelson, 18, became the first person to be jailed following the unrest. He will serve two months after being convicted of criminal damage.

Other sentences have been far higher. Derek Drummond, 58, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for punching a police officer outside a Southport mosque.

The court heard that Drummond said he was “deeply sorry” for confronting the police.

“He admitted chanting but could not remember what he said. He believed his behaviour was appalling. He was shown video and accepted it was him,” Prosecutor Chris Taylor said.

A 29-year old man was given a 30 month term for violent disorder while a 40-year-old was also convicted of violent disorder as well as racially aggravated behaviour and will serve 20 months.

Some of those convicted were said to have been drunk at the time they committed criminal activity.

One woman who is due to be sentenced was filmed pushing a burning wheelie bin towards police officers before she tripped over and was then arrested.

British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has chaired an emergency government meeting to deal with the crisis.

He said those causing violence would be prosecuted.

“This is the swift action we’re taking. If you provoke violent disorder on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law.”