Wiltshire Police and Police & Crime Commissioner call for unity

Wiltshire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner have issued a message of unity following widespread disorder across the country.

Further incidents of violence and criminality have occurred across the weekend at various locations.

As a result, almost 400 people have been arrested in connection with these incidents and, to date, more than 50 people have been charged with criminal offences.

Nationally, there are 130 extra units in place, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order trained officers to deploy across the county.

All police forces are in daily contact and sharing information about any potential for disorder and how assets can be shared to provide the best response to our communities.

Deputy Chief Constable Craig Dibdin said: “Policing is part of every community and we are committed to keeping you safe - we will not tolerate any attempts at division.

“Whilst we have not seen the level of criminality other areas of the country have endured, we have a series of dynamic policing plans in place which means we can respond proportionality to any incident within our communities.

“We will facilitate peaceful and lawful protest, but, let me be clear, we will not tolerate any disorder or behaviour which negatively affects the safety of our communities.

“We’d encourage calm and ask our communities to stick together and stay united. There is a lot of misinformation on social media and a lot of hatred being circulated about the root causes of this violent disorder. We’d ask people to look to their local leaders, officers and trusted news sources for updates and information.

“We know there will be members of the community who are feeling frightened and marginalised at this time. We are here for you, and we are committed to keeping you safe.  These criminals do not speak for our communities, and no one should ever have to fall victim to hate crime.

“Finally, I’d like to publicly thank our officers, staff and volunteers for their commitment to protecting the public.”

Warning that the escalating levels of violence and disorder must be dealt with robustly and swift justice delivered, Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson said: “The rioting that we have seen develop across the country following the deeply upsetting and violent attack on children in Southport last week is abhorrent.

“The level of violence and disorder that we have seen is inexcusable and we must not allow disinformation to stoke increasing tensions and unnecessary division in our communities.

“The behaviour of some those protesting has become increasingly violent with escalating levels of criminality – and we must ensure that our communities are safe for all and challenge these divisions.

“Those committing criminal acts should feel the full force of the law and I hope swift justice is delivered to hold them to account and show those who may be tempted to commit similar criminality that it will not be tolerated in a modern and inclusive society.

“No-one should be left feeling fearful and frightened that they may be targeted because of their ethnicity. We cannot allow hate and disinformation to make people fearful of going about their daily lives and jeopardise their safety in our communities.

"There will come a time when it is right and proper to understand and address the root causes of this criminal disorder but right now we must focus on enforcing the law, delivering justice and ensuring the safety of our communities."