Six arrested after night of unrest in Plymouth

Six people have been arrested following a night of riots and violence in Plymouth, which erupted in response to the recent killing of three girls in Southport, Merseyside, on July 29. The disturbances on August 5 resulted in several injuries, extensive property damage, and a significant cleanup effort.

The unrest began around Royal Parade when two groups of protesters clashed. 

The situation rapidly escalated, with glass bottles and other projectiles including fireworks being thrown. 

Police dogs were deployed, and the confrontation spread to Plymouth Hoe. 

A police van was damaged during the violence, and several officers sustained minor injuries. Two members of the public were hospitalised.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that specialist officers were deployed to the Guildhall in the city centre at approximately 3.30pm on August 5. 

The evening saw heightened violence across the city, leading to multiple injuries and the arrest of six individuals for a range of public order offences and assaults. 

“Our approach to this operation was to enable peaceful protests,” a police spokesperson said. “However, people intent on committing public order or criminal offences have and will be dealt with robustly. Violence and hate will not be tolerated.”

Plymouth City Council reported that streets in the city centre were left covered in debris, including rocks, glass bottles, and small paving stones ripped from the ground. 

Several bins were damaged, including a burnt-out bin on the Hoe and rubbish scattered near Tinside. 

Mechanical sweepers worked through the night to clean Royal Parade and further cleanup was carried out near Midland House and along the Hoe promenade.

By 8am, a team of nine council workers had successfully restored a large portion of the affected areas. 

ABOVE: Council workers clean up the city centre. Image: Plymouth City Council

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, praised their “magnificent efforts,” saying: “I can’t thank this team enough for restoring Plymouth’s city centre in time for the start of the working day.

“It is thanks to their magnificent efforts, Plymouth is once again looking spic and span in the summer sunshine.”

Rebecca Tibbs, a local Plymouth resident living near the riot area, said: “I was heartened and pleasantly taken aback by the overwhelming presence of the peaceful protesters! It renewed my hope, yet the disturbing levels of hatred intertwined with the reckless criminal behaviours were shocking.”

Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, responded to the events with both gratitude and condemnation. 

She said: “Now the night is almost behind us and the crowds have dispersed from the city centre, we'd like to thank our partners at Devon and Cornwall Police for their incredible work on the ground to keep people safe. While most protesters were peaceful, we are appalled by a small number of individuals who engaged in aggressive, violent, and abusive behaviour. I remain incredibly angry on behalf of Plymouth that so many people from outside our city felt emboldened to come here and cause disruption and unrest. Thuggery on tour is not acceptable.”

Ms Laing assured the community that efforts would be made to restore the city. 

She said: “We know that our communities will be feeling understandably concerned and we would like to reassure our residents that we will do all we can to help bring any violent protestors to justice.”

She also addressed the potential for divisive rhetoric, affirming Plymouth’s commitment to unity and diversity.

“We must not allow ourselves to be divided by racists who are capitalising on an awful tragedy with lies and misinformation. Plymouth is a united city. One that embraces and celebrates diversity and all communities. Our strength is that we come together, time after time. We support each other, we show compassion, understanding, and solidarity, and despite the disorder we have seen tonight, I am seeing that spirit shine through already.”

Ms Laing acknowledged concerns from minority communities about discrimination and racism. 

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and we will continue to work with the Police and community leaders to make sure that Plymouth remains a welcoming and safe city,” she said. 

“Tomorrow, my Cabinet colleagues will be seeking to meet with representatives from our Muslim community to offer our continued support and help.”

She concluded with a strong statement against those who caused the unrest. 

“And finally, I will be clear – these people do not represent Plymouth. They are a small minority of thugs who are not welcome in our city.”