City council and Staffordshire Police urge residents not to spread misinformation and to look out for their neighbours

City council and Staffordshire Police urge residents not to spread misinformation and to look out for their neighbours

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth said: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents continues to be of our utmost importance. Alongside Staffordshire Police we are supporting communities and urge people to continue their daily lives and not respond to social media speculation which can be misleading.  

“The outbreaks of disorder in our city over the past week are shocking but thanks to Staffordshire Police and their unwavering commitment to the safety of our residents the perpetrators have been identified and misinformation is being continuingly challenged.

“If it has not already been made clear enough over the past few days, let me be clear now, racism and hate have no place in Stoke-on-Trent. Many of you have told me you are still feeling anxious and scared, but please remember our city is one of diversity and culture, please look out for your neighbours. We’re a tightly woven city with a strong sense of family and community that runs deep.” 

Chief Superintendent Elliot Sharrard-Williams, who commands policing in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “We are working in partnership with organisations across the city to provide reassurance to local residents. We are actively monitoring intelligence so we have the most up-to-date picture of any emerging threats and we have additional police officers on duty to respond to any outbreaks of disorder.  

“While we will always respect your right to protest peacefully, if you are intent on causing violent disorder, you are not welcome in our city.  

“Thirteen people have already been arrested in relation to the violent disorder we saw in Hanley on Saturday 3 August and we had teams out this morning arresting more people as part of our ongoing arrest operation. We have the full support of the courts to ensure they are swiftly held accountable for their actions.  

“Our investigation teams are working around the clock to identify even more of those responsible. We also need the public’s support in tracking down these individuals and we have set up a major incident public portal (MIPP) where people can share information with us. 

“If you’ve got information that can help us take robust action against those involved, please visit the MIPP: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)”