BUSINESSES were closed, arrests were made and a dispersal order was put in place in Carlisle last night, as the city braced itself for potential disorder amid 'online rumours'.
Anti-social behaviour and rioting continues to sweep the UK following the tragic deaths of three stabbing victims in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday July 29.
A widely-published list of potential UK riot locations planned for Wednesday evening did not include Carlisle, but police issued a dispersal order in the afternoon of August 7, which urged people to stay away from the city centre area, stretching from Botchergate to Bitts Park.
There was an increased police presence in Carlisle throughout the day, with the dispersal order put in place until midnight by Cumbria Constabulary.
At the time of going to press, there was no apparent disorder in the centre, but two men in their 40s were arrested after allegedly posting hate-related content online.
Later in the evening, a further four individuals were arrested, taking the total to six.
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick of Cumbria Police said: "Where there is evidence of people inciting hatred or promoting violence on our streets, our officers will not hesitate to take action.
"We will continue to prioritise the safety of the public and anyone involved in criminality can expect to be dealt with robustly."
Businesses such as Milano Pizza and Masala Bazaar on Botchergate closed for the evening over safety concerns. Other businesses reported customers cancelling reservations as they sought to avoid the city centre.
Carlisle MP Julie Minns has praised the efforts of police, after they took swift action against any protestors.
Speaking to the News & Star, she said: "There will have been a great deal of anxiety in Carlisle last night at the suggestion that our city might witness the violent thuggery and criminal disorder we have seen elsewhere in the country.
"Cumbria Police took decisive action to deal with that risk with a dispersal order. I have been in touch with them throughout the day and they have my full support in taking the action they did.
"I am pleased too to see that our police have taken swift action to tackle content online. I would like to pay tribute to the police officers and emergency service workers who have responded with the utmost professionalism in difficult circumstances.
"The riots we have seen this week are not freedom of speech, or the expression of legitimate concerns, or the understandable frustration at feeling unheard. No, this is the deliberate action of a minority intent on criminal disorder, dangerous extremism and racist attacks, and this minority will face the full force of the law.
"There are hundreds and thousands of people who are angry about poverty, about our crumbling health services, and yes about immigration, but who do not attack the police, march on mosques, burn buildings, loot shops and whip-up Islamophobia online. There is nothing that can justify violent disorder, and those who perpetrate it will pay the price.
"What we have seen in recent days goes against everything this country stands for. But we have also seen another side to Britain – communities coming together to clean up their streets, residents pulling together to repair damage and to support each other, Citizens Advice volunteers and community centres looking for new places from which to offer their local services. These are the people who speak for our towns, our cities, and our country."
The University of Cumbria, an establishment in which multi-culturalism is celebrated, shared the following message: "We are collectively appalled at the scenes of violence and vandalism we have witnessed in the past week throughout the country.
"Scenes which stand against our beliefs and what we hold dear - not least as a university community comprising individuals from all walks of life, beliefs, faiths and communities with shared values of inclusion, respect and care for others.
"We have contacted all our staff and students to offer support. Please check your university email account for more information.
"We will continue to offer support and assistance during this time.
"Finally, and as a member of our university community, let’s stay together and support one another during times of challenge, and knowing we have so much more that unites us rather than divides."
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