6 days ago
Violent protests taking ‘massive toll' on police
UK police forces are under immense pressure from violent protests, with warnings of a potential summer of unrest and concerns about officer welfare.
Disturbances in Epping, outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, have cost Essex Police £100,000 and led to eight officers being injured.
The Police Federation reports a significant rise in officers taking mental health leave and high resignation rates, attributing this to low morale, declining pay, and stretched resources.
The redeployment of 1,500 officers to Scotland for Donald Trump 's private visit is further straining police resources across the country.
Political figures have commented on the situation, with Angela Rayner warning of more riots and Kemi Badenoch urging vigilance regarding social cohesion.
