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The Independent
11 minutes ago
- The Independent
We're prepared if protests turn violent, police say ahead of string of anti-migrant demonstrations
Police chiefs have warned they are ready to 'mobilise significant and specialist resources' if unrest breaks out at a string of anti-migrant protests planned at hotels housing asylum seekers. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) is working with forces across the country and monitoring intelligence in preparation for a fresh wave of protests on Friday, with demonstrations planned at up to 14 hotels across the country. It comes as the Metropolitan Police is also expected to come under pressure on Saturday when a National March for Palestine is planned in the capital. A separate pro-Palestine Action rally could result in mass arrests with 500 people expected to hold signs saying 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' in defiance of anti-terror laws. Anti-migrant protesters are expected to return to The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on Friday, where violence erupted last month after an Ethiopian refugee was charged with sexual assault for allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Demonstrators are also set to return to the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, where a group wearing face masks and carrying smoke bombs made a 'concerted effort' to break in last weekend. Other anti-migrant demonstrations are planned at hotels in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leeds and Norwich, among others, in what is being billed as UK-wide protests to 'abolish the asylum system'. Organisers have said the events will be 'locally led peaceful protests ' with no masks and no alcohol in posters shared widely on social media. Ahead of the widespread action, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee, said: 'We have robust and well-tested proactive plans in place, with the ability to mobilise significant and specialist resources, if necessary. "Public order response officers will be supported by investigation teams who will gather evidence and ensure those responsible for any acts of criminality, should they occur, are identified and held to account. 'Policing is not anti-protest, we are anti-crime and we will continue to work with local communities to ensure that they are safe and serious disruption is prevented.' The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, has warned that another summer of unrest places forces and officers under strain. 'Public order duties often mean long shifts, cancelled leave, missed family time and real risk,' a spokesman added. 'That takes its toll. This isn't just about numbers; it's about resilience, wellbeing, and a system under strain.' It comes ahead of the possibility of yet more mass arrests in London on Saturday, after the Met vowed to continue its crackdown on those showing support for Palestine Action. Campaign group Defend Our Juries has said more than 500 people are ready to be arrested by holding placards supporting the banned direct-action group in Parliament Square. They have warned their demonstrations will continue until a legal challenge over its proscription as a terror group is heard at the High Court in November. At least 221 people have been arrested across the country under terror laws for supporting Palestine Action since it was banned in July, with ten people charged so far. Despite plans for a large-scale demonstration with the 'intention of placing a strain on the police and the wider criminal justice system', a spokesperson for the Met said they are prepared for 'any eventuality' and anyone showing support for the group should expect to be arrested. Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Prevent and Pursue at Counter Terrorism Policing, said that they have 'robust plans' in place to respond to activity in support of Palestine Action. 'At this time, it remains illegal to be a member of or encourage support for the group Palestine Action,' she added. 'This legislation is specific to that group and does not interfere with the right to protest in support of the Palestinian cause. 'Operational plans are in place to ensure this right can be preserved over the coming days with protests expected in several major cities, including London.' Despite pressures on prison capacity, a Ministry of Justice spokesman insisted the system is prepared to 'act quickly' if more cells are needed. Officials will not hesitate to use contingency measures if they are faced with a sudden influx to the prison estate, The Independent understands. This could include activating Operation Early Dawn, which allows defendants to be held in police cells until prison beds become available. 'The swift and coordinated response to last year's unrest shows the criminal justice system is prepared to act quickly if needed to maintain stability and keep the public safe,' the spokesperson added.
The Independent
11 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘Fixated' man who stalked Anna Friel for three years bailed ahead of sentencing
A man who was 'fixated' with actress Anna Friel and stalked her for nearly three years has been ordered by a judge not to contact her ahead of his sentencing next month. Phil Appleton, 71, sent numerous messages, visited the actress's home address on several occasions and left 'unwanted' gifts between January 1 2022 and December 11 2024, Reading Crown Court previously heard. Appleton, of Windsor in Berkshire, pleaded guilty to a stalking offence under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 earlier this week. He was due to be sentenced on Thursday but judge Alan Blake adjourned the hearing until September 18 for a pre-sentence report to be carried out. The court heard that a psychiatrist had diagnosed Appleton with bipolar disorder and erotomania, where a person believes that someone else is in love with them. The psychiatrist said that Appleton had a 'fixation' with Friel and was trying to determine whether this was still the case, the court heard. The defendant, who the court heard has been in custody for six months and has spent time in a mental health facility, was granted conditional bail. Appleton must not contact Friel or enter the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and is to co-operate with those conducting the pre-sentence report. A website under his name appears to suggest that he is an actor and retired pilot. Friel, 49, rose to fame with her role as Beth Jordache in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside. She achieved international renown in 2007 starring as Charlotte 'Chuck' Charles in ABC comedy series Pushing Daisies. In 2017, she won the International Emmy for Best Actress for her role as the title character in the ITV and Netflix mystery drama series Marcella.
Telegraph
12 minutes ago
- Telegraph
NHS administrator stole £80k for online Nigerian boyfriend
An NHS administrator who stole £80,000 to send to her online boyfriend in Nigeria has been spared jail. Hyacinth Blair, 63, worked as an administrator for South London & Maudsley NHS trust. Between June 2021 and January 2023 she withdrew £80,000 from the trust's accounts. Blair sent the money to a man in Nigeria named Michael Okafor, with whom she had entered an online relationship. 'Fraud by abuse of position' She said he pressured her to send the money and she felt 'helpless'. Judge Lynn Tayton, KC, gave Blair a two-year jail sentence, suspended for two years, after Blair admitted fraud by abuse of position. The judge said the stolen funds were intended for public services and Blair's actions had caused distress amongst her colleagues. She said: 'There had to be thorough review of financial controls and ... incidents like this undermine confidence in the council's systems. 'The consequences of your actions will be felt for long time and the impact on staff and the community was severe.' 'Sustained dishonesty' Judge Tayton said Blair had first told probation officers she 'had no idea' why she had taken the money, but then said she believed she was 'in an online relationship with a man in Nigeria who demanded money' She added: 'You said you felt pressure to give this money. You told the officer you felt concerned about taking money from your employer but felt helpless. 'In my view there was sustained dishonesty not only explained by pressure or mental health issues.' The judge said Blair has suffered from depression and is now unemployed and on universal credit. She suspended Blair's sentence because there were 'no previous convictions' and 'references speak of positive good character'. She must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity, and is required to undergo six months of mental health treatment. The judge said: 'You are fortunate. Be very clear, if you come back before this court you will go to prison.'
