Police reassure arriving students after UK anti-immigration riots

Police have offered reassurance to students arriving on UK university campuses for the start of term after community cohesion was rocked by anti-immigration riots.

More than 1,000 arrests were made during violent protests involving far-right groups during July and August, in the wake of a stabbing in Southport that left three girls dead. Misinformation spread online falsely claimed that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat last year.

While the unrest was swiftly quelled by the handing down of lengthy prison sentences to rioters, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said that the start of the new academic year could be accompanied by “feelings of anxiety and tension” for some learners.

Some of the protests occurred in university cities, including Sunderland, Liverpool, Hull, Belfast and Middlesborough – with Teesside University buildings among those damaged during the disorder.

And there has been particular concern about the impact of the riots on international students, amid signs that people of colour were being targeted. Several governments, including key student source markets, issued warnings advising citizens to exercise caution when visiting the UK.

Rachel Kearton, the chief constable of Suffolk Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for race and inclusion, said that officers had been engaging with senior staff and security teams at universities, “offering advice and guidance to ensure that vulnerable premises are safeguarded, and that students know where to go for help and support”.

“We have no intelligence to indicate there will be a reappearance of the major public disorder previously seen, but we ask educational establishments to remain vigilant, and to promote zero-tolerance towards hate or discriminatory behaviour,” Ms Kearton said.

“We know that the risk of hate crime never goes away, and we will not stop investigating reports. Our message to students is that racial and faith-based discrimination will never be tolerated in any form, and we encourage anyone who suffers such a crime to report it to the police.

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“Our officers are highly trained, will treat everyone with respect and dignity and handle cases sensitively. We ask that victims come to us as soon as possible after an offence has been committed so we can begin our investigation as early as possible.”

Ms Kearton said that students could also report incidents to campus security teams or other university staff.

“We know that the events of the summer were hugely challenging, and that anxieties and concern will understandably linger. There has been incredible unity displayed across the country and this is how we tackle division, by standing together, and I want to reassure all of our communities that policing will continue to do its utmost to keep them safe,” Ms Kearton added.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com