We'll bring these far right mobs to justice

Starmer vows swift punishment for hate-filled yobs

- ASHLEY COWBURN and SOPHIE HUSKISSON

KEIR Starmer insisted far-right thugs will face justice for the riots which gripped the country over the weekend.

The PM used an emergency statement from No10 last night to tell those involved: "I guarantee you will regret taking part."

He added: "Whether directly, or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves. This is not a protest. It is organised, violent thuggery.

"Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.

"The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow."

Mr Starmer's tough statement came just hours after crowds attacked police and smashed the windows of a Holiday Inn Express housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. The PM described the rioters as: "Marauding gangs intent on law-breaking or worse."

He added: "Residents and staff in absolute fear. There is no justification for this action."

Amid attacks on mosques, Nazi salutes and racist rhetoric on the country's streets, the PM said: "I won't shy away from calling this what it is - far-right thuggery."

Mr Starmer will today chair an emergency Cobra meeting with ministers and senior police officials.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also condemned the "criminal, violent" attack on the hotel, saying it was "utterly appalling".