Anti-immigrant protests spread across country

POLICE are on high alert as tinderbox Britain heats up with anti-immigrant protests across the country.

- By Steph Spyro

A watchdog chief warned yesterday that there is “every possibility” we could see violence similar to the 2024 Southport riots again.

Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, said police “should not be caught off-guard again”.

He spoke as yet more clashes erupted outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, East London. The site, which the local council claims the Government wants to use to house asylum seekers, has been a flashpoint for a fortnight.

In Islington, North London, police imposed conditions on a protest and counter-protest outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel.