Police Prepare for Expected Disorder in Brentford

Increased presence of officers in the area this Wednesday

Police in Brentford earlier this year. Picture: MPS Brentford

August 7, 2024

A senior police officer has warned Brentford residents to expect an increased police presence in the area this Wednesday (7 August).

Neighbourhood Superintendent Anil Puri has said this is necessary as the Met has become aware of planned disorder in the area.

The warning comes as the Met says it is concerned about a ‘big day’ of disorder with anti-immigrant groups expected to assemble at around 30 locations across the capital.

Superintendent Puri said, “We are aware of plans for disorder tomorrow evening in Brentford.

“People across Brentford will be understandably worried and we want to reassure them that the police will not tolerate racism or acts of thuggery.

“It has been deeply shocking to see other parts of the country impacted by mindless violence – with members of the public and officers attacked – and we’ll do everything in our power to prevent disorder in our communities.

“Our message to all of those seeking to cause violence and divide our communities is clear – your actions are completely unacceptable and anyone taking part will face the full force of the law.

“Local residents can expect to see more officers in the area tomorrow and throughout the evening. They will be responding to any concerns and available to speak to residents who may have questions or need help and advice.

“I’d like to thank local officers and the Brentford community for pulling together in these difficult times. We are proud to stand against all forms of abuse.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is in charge of the policing operation across London, said, "This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade.

"This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.

"We know about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital tomorrow (Wednesday) night. They've made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.

"The scenes of racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country have been deeply shocking. Members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured.

"We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.

"We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.

"Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear – you will face the full force of the law.

"Our officers put the safety of others above that of their own. They have faced dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse in the name of public service and keeping the King's peace.

"They will continue to fulfil their duty in the coming days and weeks.

"Londoners in parts of the capital will see more officers in their local area. If anyone is concerned or needs our help, please speak to them. They are there to help.

"Our officers and our communities have truly pulled together in these difficult times. We are proud to stand together against the vile and criminal behaviour we've seen in recent weeks."

Brentford & Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury MP issued a statement saying, ‘‘Residents across our borough share my revulsion at the explosion of violent Islamophobic and racist behaviour taking place across the UK over recent days. These riots are randomly attacking businesses, individuals and are targeting mosques and asylum hotels. I can only imagine the impact this is having on many local residents.

"Whilst we have not (yet) seen organised demonstrations locally, there is information circulating providing details of an action to take place in Brentford this evening (Wednesday) targeting one on a list of solicitors’ firms and legal advice centres across the country.

"This is to let you know that locally I am working with the police, Hounslow Council and Councillors, the Mayor of London and other organisation to share information and be ready to respond if needed, and I know mosques and community organisations are also involved in calls and meetings.

"In the last two days, I was on an MPs call with the Policing Minister, Diana Johnson MP and another yesterday with the Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. They are working closely together to ensure there are sufficient police resources to respond, to protect communities, and for the Criminal Justice system to bring the strongest possible charges to all those arrested for this criminal behaviour.

"They have a clear plan to respond to any far-right demonstrations and will deal with them swiftly. There will be more police officers in the area today and this evening. They will respond to any concerns and are available to speak to residents needing help and advice.

"If you are witnessing a violent attack or unrest, and the police are not already present. then phone 999 If you hear a rumour of a threat or possible action please speak to an officer on the street or dial 101

2Violence has no place in our communities – we stand together against all forms of violence and abuse, and ensure that those seeking to divide our communities know they will not succeed. Our diverse area stands as one community and we take pride in our shared identity. In Hounslow our diverse communities have stood side by side for decades.

"As my friend Jo Cox said 'We have more in common than that which divides us.'"

The Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat said,‘‘We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages which claim a protest is being planned in the borough this week. We are working with the police to verify that claim. If there is any credibility to it, we will work with the police and other partners to prioritise the safety of our communities.

“We stand united as one community, One Hounslow. Our borough not only celebrates diversity but thrives on it. Our diversity is our strength, our vitality and the very essence of our community. We continue to take pride in our shared identity, our vibrant communities and the ways in which we have lived, worked and thrived together over many years. There cannot, and will not be any place for hate and division.”