Walthamstow is among the places reportedly being targeted by racist thugs following a series of riots across the UK, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter

credit Mike Mantin via Wikimedia Commons

Extra patrols have been organised in Waltham Forest amid reports of a potential gathering by the far-right.

Walthamstow has reportedly been included on a list of locations where demonstrators intend to gather tomorrow evening (Wednesday 7th).

The neighbourhood is one of four in London that appear on the list, alongside Harrow, Hounslow and Finchley.

A counter-protest has also been organised in Walthamstow by anti-racism groups, to take place at the same time as the far-right demonstration.

Famously, an English Defence League protest in Walthamstow twelve years ago was dwarfed by an antifascist march through the town.

The organisers of this week’s event wrote in a release, under the banner of Stand Up to Racism Waltham Forest: “They came in 2012 to try to sow their filth in Walthamstow but were stopped by 5,000 local people. Let’s stop them again.”

Andy Valentine, deputy assistant commissioner with the Metropolitan Police, said the force “knew about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups,” adding: “They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.”

In a statement, he condemned recent gatherings by the far-right in various towns and cities as consisting of “racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour” and called them “deeply shocking”.

He added: “This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade. This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.”

Londoners in certain areas of the capital can expect to see more police officers than usual, the Met said.

The reports come as the UK enters its seventh day of widespread disorder, following the killings of three young girls in Southport on 29th July.

Almost 400 people have been arrested after violent protests took over cities and towns including Rotherham, Sunderland, Belfast, Plymouth and Southport.

The deputy comissioner continued: “We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.

“We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.

“Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear: you will face the full force of the law.”

Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: “We have seen claims that a protest has been organised in our area. We are working with the Metropolitan Police to verify the information, and we will respond together in close partnership if it is accurate.

“Extra patrols have already been put into place, and we have reached out to mosques and places of worship to provide reassurance. The safety and wellbeing of our residents is always our top priority.”

Police believe the national unrest has been fuelled by false rumours the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Sadiq Khan, the Labour mayor of London, said: “In London, we are united against hatred, and I am working closely with partners to ensure all of our communities are safe – and feel safe.

“Today the Met Police and London Resilience Unit have brought together partners from across the capital, from emergency services to local authorities to voluntary, community and faith representatives to ensure we are working together to achieve that aim at a time of heightened tensions.”

Dozens of police officers have been reported injured across the UK, as rioters hurled missiles and set fire to police stations and high street shops.

Sir Keir Starmer, now in his second month as prime minister, told the cabinet today (Tuesday 6th) he will take “all necessary action” to bring the disorder to an end.

Walthamstow was trending on social media last night as the list was allegedly circulated around WhatsApp groups.

Constituency MP Stella Creasy posted to X/Twitter: “I know there is some really worrying stuff being circulated on social media – please be assured getting to the bottom of it is my priority and please wait for further updates.

“[I] am asking for your help to defeat the fear being stoked, together.”

In the neighbouring borough of Redbridge, recently selected council leader Kam Rai said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe regardless of their faith, race, or identity.

“We have been horrified to see the devastating attacks in Southport co-opted by the far-right to justify violence against minority groups, including Muslim communities. Islamophobia, racism, and anti-migrant violence have no place in our country.

“We have remained in constant contact with the police to ensure our streets remain safe, and that local places of worship in Redbridge have the support necessary to continue operating.”

Police across the country have said they are working “around the clock” to identify and arrest participants.

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