Police warn of more violence today as far-right riots erupt across UK – live

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has condemned the “thugs” who torched a recently renovated library last night.

The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country, suffered severe damage.

Police said rioters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the blaze. “Devastated to see this wonderful community asset ravaged by thugs,” Mr Rotheram said posting on X.

A heartbroken supermarket manager said his store was reduced to ashes following violent disorder in Belfast on Saturday, 3 August.

Bashir said Muslim businesses were deliberately targeted during attacks which which followed anti-immigration protests in the city.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended a shop and a cafe on fire on the Donegall Road on Saturday night. It said the cause of both fires had been determined as deliberate.

Bashir was visibly emotional as he described how he could not sleep on Saturday night during the unrest. “There is no message for people like this,” he added.

A group of counter protesters have been pictured demonstrating in Lancaster, Lancashire, on Sunday morning as a few far-right members gathered nearby.

A source close to Yvette Cooper has told The Independent that the home secretary is meeting with the chief constable of Merseyside Police and other chief constables this morning where the violent thugs broke out last night.

It comes amid fears of more outbreaks of violence today after riots rocked Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Hull, Belfast, Stoke and other cities.

Ms Cooper has openly discussed using travel bans on those involved in the rallies and has promised a robust response to the civil unrest.

Cleveland Police has denied rumours circulating online that a Muslim woman was attacked with acid during unrest on Saturday.

The force said it had not received “any formal complaint” from a victim or anyone on their behalf. It also said it had not received notification from medical colleagues of any such incident.

Earlier, reports of the attack were shared on social media by Nick Lowles, chief executive of Left-wing group Hope not Hate, and Josh Fenton-Glynn MP, the Labour MP for Calder Valley.

“Reports are coming in of acid being thrown out of a car window at a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. Absolutely horrendous,” Mr Lowles posted on X.

Street cleaning teams in Hull have worked through the night to ensure the city is open for business today, the city council has said.

Volunteers turned up with brushes from 7am to assist council crews. Areas within the city have largely reopened following Saturday’s disorder, but a number of shops remain closed.

“Yesterday we saw the worst of Hull but already today we have seen the best,” councillor Jack Haines of Hull City Council said.

“The cleaning teams have made fantastic progress overnight. The main streets are largely clear and the interchange has reopened.

“We have already seen the power in our community with volunteers turning up from 7am this morning with brushes to assist council teams. I thank all volunteers and council staff.

“With the clean-up largely completed and areas clear, the best way anyone can help today is to come together, enjoy our city and support local shops and business.”