Devon police issue statement of reassurance amid riot rumours in Exeter

Devon Police have provided reassurance after rumours circulating on social media about far right riots occurring in Exeter and Torquay.

Following the Southport attack on three children on 29th July 2024, violence has flurried across the UK, taking place in Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham, Lincoln and so on.

An increased police presence will be felt in Exeter after rumours of far right riots in the city spread online, BBC reports.

With these riots and protests happening across the country, social media posts started to circulate that these attacks will happen in Torquay and Exeter, which the Devon Police have advised to be false.

The alleged far-right attacks taking place in Torquay happened to be a peaceful union outside Torbay Islamic Centre on Avenue Road. The small gathering stood outside the mosque to show their support for the Muslim community and bring peace.

The rumours circulating online have caused local shops to put down their shutters as protection against any looting or damage that may occur from potential riots.

Heera International Foods on Well Street took precaution after hearing about far-right protests “happening” on social media. The owner of the shop, Nirmal Singh, said he was taking no chances as the location of his shop is opposite the Exeter Mosque.

Despite rumours, on Wednesday 7th August, Devon and Cornwall police stated that there were no reports of planned protests.

Devon and Cornwall Police informed that there will be increased level of community engagement in order to “ensure we are actively engaged with the public, avaliable to recieve intelligence from the community and to ensure we understand the concerns of those we serve”.

Following this, the forced added that they are “working around the clock to assess the credibility of any reports” and that they will “share information at a local level with communities” and so they can take “appropriate steps to deal with violent disorder”.

Devon Police reassure Devon residents that they will remain on high alert following the far-right riots in Plymouth.

Featured image via Google Maps

Related stories recommended by this author:

• Father and daughter share their graduation together at the University of Exeter
• This Exeter University student cycled over 150 miles to attend her graduation this week
• New student ranking places University of Exeter as 12th best university in the UK for 2024