COMMUNITY leaders have spoken out against the violence and disorder seen across the country over the past week, and declared that hatred and racism are "not Cumbria, and not Carlisle".

The statements come after a dispersal order was put in place by police across a large area of Carlisle city centre on Wednesday, following 'online reports' of potential disturbance and 'disorder'.

A dispersal order is a significant police power, introduced in 2003, designed to prevent public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Under a dispersal order, police officers can direct groups of people to leave a designated area. Non-compliance may lead to arrest.

Whilst disorder never materialised in Carlisle on Wednesday night, some local restaurants and bars closed early in anticipation of potential trouble. One takeaway boarded up its windows.

Cumbria Police arrested six people during the night. Three men were arrested on suspicion of public order offences connected to the posting of content online. Two have since been charged and appeared at the magistrates' court.

David Allen, the recently-elected police, fire & crime commissioner for Cumbria, said the 'violence and disorder' witnessed across the country left him 'sickened'.

The area of Carlisle covered by the police dispersal order on Wednesday night.The area of Carlisle covered by the police dispersal order on Wednesday night. (Image: Cumbria Police)

The PFCC also sent a stern warning to individuals who 'incite hatred' through online platforms. "If you break the law online, you are no more safe from arrest and prosecution than if you were physically present at the scenes of disorder," he said.

"We welcome almost 50 million visitors each year to our county. These visitors come from all over the world and are from every imaginable background, race, religion and skin colour, not that that matters at all.

"They are still welcome here and I want to make that very clear.

"The hatred I have seen online and elsewhere isn't the Cumbria that I know and love, it isn't the Carlisle where I have lived with my family for over a quarter of a century and it isn't something I am prepared to accept.

"Nor, I suspect, are most Cumbrians," he said.

A statement by Carlisle Against Racism condemned the recent violent and destructive actions of far-right movements, highlighting that 'riots express existing discontent, but they solve nothing".

Carlisle MP Julie Minn praised police efforts to maintain order amid potential unrest. "Cumbria Police took decisive action to deal with that risk with a dispersal order... they have my full support in taking the action they did," she said. 

"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."

Over 240 charities who work with refugee and asylum seekers across the UK, including Penrith and Eden Refugee Network, have signed a statement condemning the violent anti-migrant attacks that have been taking place around the country.

Carlisle is set to see a demonstration this weekend in a community-wide stand against racism.

The event, orchestrated by Carlisle Against Racism, will be on Saturday, August 10, from 12noon to 1pm.

Any victim of hatred in Cumbria can report it to the Police on 101.