Potential plans for disorder in Carlisle tonight have been circulating on social media for days – and police have enacted legal powers to stop would-be rioters in their tracks.
A dispersal order has been issued for the city centre today, which allows police to have enhanced stop and search capabilities and the authority to remove face coverings intended to disguise or conceal a person’s appearance.
Officers will also have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
Cumbria Constabulary there would be an increased police presence during the day and the dispersal order will be in place until midnight.
The force said it was aware of the reports circulating online.
Chief Superintendent Carl Patrick said: “The dispersal order and the powers which have been authorised are in place to protect our communities from those who may engage in violent disorder.
“We support and facilitate the right to peaceful protest however violent disorder will not be tolerated.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and our officers are here to provide help, advice and reassurance.
“Our advice to anyone considering engaging in disorder is not to attend. Anyone involved in criminality will be dealt with robustly.”
It is understood across the UK, police are braced for more than 100 protests across the country tonight and counter-protests following riots across the UK and Ireland in response to the killing of three girls in Southport.
A list and calls to mask up are believed to have been widely circulated on social media over recent days for far-right demonstrations today.
