London mayor warns far-right rioters of legal action for 'violence and disorder'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - In response to violent riots erupted in towns and cities across the UK, London's mayor issued a strong condemnation on Wednesday and vowed decisive action against far-right groups inciting further unrest in the capital.

"The disorder, racism, and violence that we have seen in towns and cities across the country in the last week have been truly shocking," Sadiq Khan said, expressing dismay at the events of the past week, which have left many communities reeling.

"I want to be very clear to anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear in our city: If you break the law, action will be taken against you. Acts of violence and disorder on the streets of London will not be tolerated, and if you commit a crime, you will be arrested and face the full force of the law," he warned.

Khan emphasized that London’s Metropolitan Police Service (Met) and City Hall were in close collaboration on the matter, along with community leaders and local organizations.

"I am in constant touch with the Met. City Hall and the police are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to protect targeted buildings and places of worship, as well as provide reassurance for Londoners," he said.

Khan also called on residents of the city to stand in solidarity with their neighbors. "I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about."

The UK is going through its worst wave of riots in 13 years, with far-right demonstrators targeting asylum seekers and ethnic minority communities across the country.

Suspects are now appearing in court. Over 400 individuals were arrested and 100 have been charged.

A storm of anti-Muslim disinformation on social media has fueled Islamophobic and far-right violence in the aftermath of the fatal stabbing attack in the northern English seaside town of Southport on July 29.